Overview
Background
Michael is passionate about plant-based foods, with a particular focus on their nutritional composition, quality, bioactivity, digestibility, and potential for promoting healthy diets. He has served as a Chief Investigator on several flagship initiatives, including the ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Uniquely Australian Foods, the CRC for Developing Northern Australia, and the HIA-funded Naturally Nutritious project. His research emphasizes the importance of understanding both in vitro bioaccessibility—how compounds are released from the food matrix and become available for intestinal absorption—and the more complex in vivo bioavailability and metabolism, including microbial degradation in the gut. These processes are critical for predicting the bioactivity and potential health benefits of dietary phytochemicals in humans.
Availability
- Dr Michael Netzel is:
- Available for supervision
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy, Justus Liebig University Giessen
Research interests
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Phytochemicals and Health
My primary research interests focus on phytochemicals—specifically polyphenols (both bound and free), carotenoids, and betalains—as well as vitamins. I investigate their analysis, binding characteristics within the plant (food) matrix, and structural modifications or degradation during processing and digestion. This includes studying their bioaccessibility, bioavailability, and metabolism, essentially tracing the journey “from raw produce to absorbed and metabolised bioactive compounds.”
Works
Search Professor Michael Netzel’s works on UQ eSpace
2018
Journal Article
LED power efficiency of biomass, fatty acid, and carotenoid production in Nannochloropsis microalgae
Ma, Ruijuan, Thomas-Hall, Skye R., Chua, Elvis T., Eltanahy, Eladl, Netzel, Michael E., Netzel, Gabriele, Lu, Yinghua and Schenk, Peer M (2018). LED power efficiency of biomass, fatty acid, and carotenoid production in Nannochloropsis microalgae. Bioresource Technology, 252, 118-126. doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2017.12.096
2018
Journal Article
Improved stable isotope dilution assay for dietary folates using LC-MS/MS and its application to strawberries
Striegel, Lisa, Chebib, Soraya, Netzel, Michael E. and Rychlik, Michael (2018). Improved stable isotope dilution assay for dietary folates using LC-MS/MS and its application to strawberries. Frontiers in Chemistry, 6 11, 11. doi: 10.3389/fchem.2018.00011
2018
Conference Publication
Cytotoxicity of Terminalia ferdinandiana extracts in intestinal and hepatic cancer cell lines
Akter, Saleha, Addepalli, Rama, Netzel, Michael E., Tinggi, Ujang, Fletcher, Mary T., Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Osborne, Simone A. (2018). Cytotoxicity of Terminalia ferdinandiana extracts in intestinal and hepatic cancer cell lines. 10th International Symposium on Poisonous Plants (ISOPP), St George, Utah, United States, 16-20 September 2018.
2018
Conference Publication
B12 - Physicochemical characteristics of commercial strawberry cultivars grown in Australia
Sarwar, Shammy, Netzel, Michael E., Meredy, Ram, Trieu, Hung H., Netzel, Gabriele and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2018). B12 - Physicochemical characteristics of commercial strawberry cultivars grown in Australia. 3rd Queensland Annual Chemistry Symposium QACS 2018, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 23 November 2018.
2018
Conference Publication
Comparison of bioactive phytochemical compositions, antioxidant capacity and glucose release inhibitory effects of white sorghums and several important grains
Fox, Glen, Phan, Anh D., Netzel, Michael and Plant, Robert (2018). Comparison of bioactive phytochemical compositions, antioxidant capacity and glucose release inhibitory effects of white sorghums and several important grains. Sorghum in the 21st Century, Cape Town, South Africa, 09-12 April 2018.
2018
Conference Publication
B16 - The effect of physiological maturity and different cooking methods on anthocyanin accumulation in purple sweetcorn kernels
Hong, Trieu, Netzel, Michael E. and O'Hare, Tim J. (2018). B16 - The effect of physiological maturity and different cooking methods on anthocyanin accumulation in purple sweetcorn kernels. 3rd Queensland Annual Chemistry Symposium QACS 2018, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 23 November 2018.
2018
Conference Publication
University-to-University Partnership: UQ & TU Munich - Exploring the nutritional value of plant food
Netzel, Michael (2018). University-to-University Partnership: UQ & TU Munich - Exploring the nutritional value of plant food. Australian-German Science & Innovation Day, QUT, Gardens Point Campus, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 02 October 2018.
2018
Conference Publication
Ellagic acid-rich extracts of Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit and seeds, improve cell viability in vitro compared to ellagic acid alone
Akter, Saleha, Addepalli, Rama, Netzel, Michael E., Tinggi, Ujang, Fletcher, Mary T., Osborne, Simone A. and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2018). Ellagic acid-rich extracts of Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit and seeds, improve cell viability in vitro compared to ellagic acid alone. 26th Annual RACI R & D Topics Conference 2018, Canberra, ACT, Australia, 2-5 December 2018.
2018
Conference Publication
Native Australian fruits as a “natural reservoir” for functional food applications: analytical and biochemical approach
Netzel, Michael (2018). Native Australian fruits as a “natural reservoir” for functional food applications: analytical and biochemical approach. TUM/UNESP/UQ Symposium - Natural products: analytics, biodiversity and biochemistry, Freising, Germany, 18-21 June 2018.
2018
Conference Publication
Strawberries as a source of highly bioavailable folates
Striegel, Lisa, Netzel, Michael and Rychlik, Michael (2018). Strawberries as a source of highly bioavailable folates. 5th International Vitamin Conference 2018, Sydney, NSW, Australia, 8-10 August 2018.
2018
Conference Publication
Safety Assessment of Terminalia ferdinandiana Fruits using Four Different Cell Lines
Akter, Saleha, Addepalli, Rama, Netzel, Michael E., Tinggi, Ujang, Fletcher, Mary T., Osborne, Simone A. and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2018). Safety Assessment of Terminalia ferdinandiana Fruits using Four Different Cell Lines. 4th International Conference on Food Chemistry and Technology (FCT-2018), Berlin, Germany, 5-7 November 2018.
2018
Conference Publication
B13 - Native Australian Fruits: freeze-dried Kakadu plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana) powder as an example for a high-quality food product
Bobasa, Eshetu M., Netzel, Michael E., Kubow, Stanley, Chaliha, Mridusmita, Dao, Anh and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2018). B13 - Native Australian Fruits: freeze-dried Kakadu plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana) powder as an example for a high-quality food product. 3rd Queensland Annual Chemistry Symposium QACS 2018, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 23 November 2018.
2018
Conference Publication
Naturally Nutritious – Development of the Alpha Strawberry Packed With Folate
Netzel, Michael, O'Hare, Tim and Rychlik, Michael (2018). Naturally Nutritious – Development of the Alpha Strawberry Packed With Folate. Launch of the Australia-Germany Research Network at the Australian Embassy in Berlin, Berlin, Germany, 20 Novemeber 2018.
2018
Conference Publication
B14 - Strawberries – Higher in folate than previously thought!
Netzel, Michael E., Weber, Nadine, Dumler, Caroline, Striegel, Lisa, Phan, Anh D. T., Trieu, Hung H., Rychlik, Michael and O'Hare, Tim (2018). B14 - Strawberries – Higher in folate than previously thought!. 3rd Queensland Annual Chemistry Symposium QACS 2018, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 23 November 2018.
2018
Conference Publication
Safety assessment of ellagic acid-rich extracts from Terminalia ferdinandiana (Kakadu plum)
Akter, Saleha, Addepalli, Rama, Netzel, Michael, Tinggi, Ujang, Fletcher, Mary, Osborne, Simone and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2018). Safety assessment of ellagic acid-rich extracts from Terminalia ferdinandiana (Kakadu plum). QACS 2018 - Queensland Annual Chemistry Symposium, Brisbane QLD, Australia, 23 November 2018.
2018
Conference Publication
Nutritional and anti-nutritional properties of Terminalia ferdinandiana (Kakadu plum) from the Northern Territory, Australia
Akter, Saleha, Netzel, Michael, Tinggi, Ujang, Fletcher, Mary, Williams, David and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2018). Nutritional and anti-nutritional properties of Terminalia ferdinandiana (Kakadu plum) from the Northern Territory, Australia. Active Integrated Matter (AIM) Conference 2018, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, 20-22 February 2018.
2018
Conference Publication
Purple sweetcorn – something tasty and healthy?
O'Hare, Tim J., Netzel, Michael E. and Hong, H. T. (2018). Purple sweetcorn – something tasty and healthy?. 30th International Horticultural Congress, Istanbul, Turkey, 12-16 August 2018.
2018
Conference Publication
Extraction efficiency and stability of anthocyanins using acidified extraction solvents and UHPLC-PDA-MS/MS
Hong, Hung T., Netzel, Michael E. and O'Hare, Tim J. (2018). Extraction efficiency and stability of anthocyanins using acidified extraction solvents and UHPLC-PDA-MS/MS. 3rd Queensland Mass Spectrometry Symposium, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 6-7 December 2018.
2018
Conference Publication
A13 - Safety assessment of ellagic acid-rich extracts from Terminalia ferdinandiana
Akter, Saleha, Addepalli, Rama, Netzel, Michael E., Tinggi, Ujang, Fletcher, Mary T., Osborne, Simone A. and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2018). A13 - Safety assessment of ellagic acid-rich extracts from Terminalia ferdinandiana. 3rd Queensland Annual Chemistry Symposium QACS 2018, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 23 November 2018.
2018
Conference Publication
Kakadu plum: safety assessment
Akter, Saleha, Netzel, Michael, Tinggi, Ujang, Fletcher, Mary, Osborne, Simone and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2018). Kakadu plum: safety assessment. Workshop on An Interdisciplinary Dialogue on the Legal, Social and Scientific Uses of the Kakadu plum, Brisbane QLD, Australia, 1 June 2018.
Funding
Current funding
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Michael Netzel is:
- Available for supervision
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Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
Investigating the nutritional and bioactive properties of native Australian Citrus species
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Natasha Hungerford, Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa
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Doctor Philosophy
Exploring and understanding the nutritional quality and functional properties of wild harvested Australian grown elderberries (native elderberries)
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Olivia Wright, Professor Heather Smyth, Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa
-
Doctor Philosophy
Opening the Discussion on Harnessing Traditional Knowledge and Plants for Indigenous Health: Development of a Bush Food-based Carbonated Beverage
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa, Dr Olivia Wright
-
Doctor Philosophy
Modelling interactive effects of environment and physicochemical properties of Persoonia spp.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Dharini Sivakumar, Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa
-
Doctor Philosophy
Following the Tracks: Bringing traditional knowledge and food science together to improve health outcomes in Central Australia
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa, Dr Luke Williams
-
Doctor Philosophy
Exploring the Nutritional and Functional Quality of Australian Indigenous Yam
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Femi Akinsanmi, Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa
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Doctor Philosophy
Exploring the Nutritional quality and Food Functionality of Salt Bush (Atriplex semibaccata) - an Australian Indigenous Edible Halophyte
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Dharini Sivakumar, Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa
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Doctor Philosophy
Assessing the effect of date fruit (Phoenix dactylifera L.) on human gut microbiota and metabolite production: an in vitro fermentation study
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa, Dr Loan Nguyen
Completed supervision
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
Effect of storage on the nutritional quality of 'Rubycot' plumcot and 'Queen Garnet' plum
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bruce Topp, Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
Australian indigenous edible halophytes - potential sources of functional ingredients
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Olivia Wright, Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
Exploring the Nutritional Potential of Carica papaya Linn Cultivars
Principal Advisor
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2025
Doctor Philosophy
Exploring the nutritional quality and food functionality of Burdekin plum (Pleiogynium timoriense)
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Daniel Cozzolino, Dr Kamalesh Adhikari, Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa
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2024
Doctor Philosophy
Effects of Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities of Australian Native Plants (Kakadu plum and Davidson plum) on the Safety and Quality of Value-added Meat Products
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Heather Smyth, Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa, Professor Louw Hoffman
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
Impact of growing region and processing on the quality and functionality of wild harvested Terminalia ferdinandiana Exell fruits
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Daniel Cozzolino, Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
Use of Novel Green Technologies for Preservation of Horticultural Produce using Plant Bioactives
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
Impact of photosensitization on the nutrient profile and bioaccessibility of bioactive compounds in Australian grown strawberries
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
Nutritional and Functional Quality of Flour and Proteins from Australian Acacia seed
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Mike Gidley, Professor Louw Hoffman, Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa
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2020
Doctor Philosophy
Development of a microalgal biorefinery to produce omega-3 fatty acid EPA and other high-value compounds from Nannochloropsis
Associate Advisor
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2020
Doctor Philosophy
Assessing the safe use of Terminalia ferdinandiana for dietary purposes
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Emerita Professor Mary Fletcher, Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
IDENTIFICATION AND INDUCED BIOSYNTHESIS OF NATURAL HEALTH COMPOUNDS IN MICROALGAE
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Harendra Parekh, Dr Karnaker Reddy Tupally
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2015
Doctor Philosophy
Induction of carotenoid and phytosterol accumulation in microalgae
Associate Advisor
Media
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