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
-
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
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.
2017
Edited Outputs
Proceedings ‘Food, the Environment & Public Health’
Michael E. Netzel ed. (2017). Proceedings ‘Food, the Environment & Public Health’. Seminar of the Nutrition Society of Australia (NSA) Brisbane Local Group, Health & Food Sciences Precinct (HFSP), Coopers Plains, 11 December 2017.
2017
Journal Article
Gene expression profiling of astaxanthin and fatty acid pathways in Haematococcus pluvialis in response to different LED lighting conditions
Ma, Ruijuan, Thomas-Hall, Skye R., Chua, Elvis T., Alsenani, Faisal, Eltanahy, Eladl, Netzel, Michael E., Netzel, Gabriele, Lu, Yinghua and Schenk, Peer M. (2017). Gene expression profiling of astaxanthin and fatty acid pathways in Haematococcus pluvialis in response to different LED lighting conditions. Bioresource Technology, 250, 591-602. doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2017.11.094
2017
Journal Article
High folate strawberry – tasty and healthy?
Netzel, Michael E., O'Hare, Tim, Striegel, Lisa and Rychlik, Michael (2017). High folate strawberry – tasty and healthy?. SimplyRed (48), 12-12.
2017
Journal Article
Anthocyanin-rich plum juice reduces ambulatory blood pressure but not acute cognitive function in younger and older adults: a pilot crossover dose-timing study
Igwe, E. O., Charlton, K. E., Roodenrys, S., Kent, K., Fanning, K. and Netzel, M. E. (2017). Anthocyanin-rich plum juice reduces ambulatory blood pressure but not acute cognitive function in younger and older adults: a pilot crossover dose-timing study. Nutrition Research, 47, 28-43. doi: 10.1016/j.nutres.2017.08.006
2017
Journal Article
Indospicine cytotoxicity and transport in human cell lines
Sultan, Saira, Osborne, Simone, Addepalli, Rama, Netzel, Gabriele, Netzel, Michael and Fletcher, Mary T. (2017). Indospicine cytotoxicity and transport in human cell lines. Food Chemistry, 267, 119-123. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2017.08.029
2017
Conference Publication
Functional Powder from Australian-Grown White, Yellow, and Red Onion Tissues
Chhim, P., Phan, A. D. T., Netzel, G., Netzel, M. E. and Sultanbawa, Y. (2017). Functional Powder from Australian-Grown White, Yellow, and Red Onion Tissues. TropAg2017, International Tropical Agriculture Conference, Brisbane, Qld, Australia, 20-22 November 2017.
2017
Conference Publication
Identification and quantification of dietary anthocyanins and metabolites in human urine
Netzel, Michael E., Wright, Olivia and Netzel, Gabriele (2017). Identification and quantification of dietary anthocyanins and metabolites in human urine. 2nd Queensland Annual Chemistry Symposium QACS 2017, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 27 November 2017.
2017
Conference Publication
Identification of purple anthocyanin pigments from purple sweetcorn using LC-PDA-MS/MS
Hong, H. T., Netzel, M. E., Netzel, G., Giles, C. and O'Hare, T. J. (2017). Identification of purple anthocyanin pigments from purple sweetcorn using LC-PDA-MS/MS. 2nd Queensland Mass Spectrometry Symposium, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 2-3 November 2017.
2017
Conference Publication
The Effect of Physiological Maturity on the Anthocyanin Profile of Purple Sweet Corn
Hong, H., Netzel, M., Netzel, G. and O'Hare, T. J. (2017). The Effect of Physiological Maturity on the Anthocyanin Profile of Purple Sweet Corn. TropAg2017, International Tropical Agriculture Conference, Brisbane, Qld, Australia, 20-22 November 2017.
2017
Conference Publication
High folate strawberries – Finally something tasty?
Netzel, M., Striegel, L., Chebib, S., Biehl, E., Netzel, G., Herrington, M. and Rychlik, M. (2017). High folate strawberries – Finally something tasty?. TropAg2017, International Tropical Agriculture Conference, Brisbane, Qld, Australia, 20-22 November 2017.
2017
Conference Publication
Determination of pigments of purple sweetcorn using LC-PDA-MS/MS
Hong, Hung Trieu, Netzel, Michael E., Netzel, Gabriele and O'Hare, Tim J. (2017). Determination of pigments of purple sweetcorn using LC-PDA-MS/MS. 2nd Queensland Annual Chemistry Symposium QACS 2017, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 27 November 2017.
2017
Conference Publication
Phytates and oxalates in Kakadu plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana): anti-nutritional properties
Akter, Saleha, Netzel, Michael, Tinggi, Ujang, Fletcher, Mary and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2017). Phytates and oxalates in Kakadu plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana): anti-nutritional properties. 2nd Queensland Annual Chemistry Symposium, Brisbane QLD, Australia, 27 November 2017.
2017
Conference Publication
Nutritional and Anti-Nutritional Properties of Terminalia ferdinandiana (Kakadu plum) from the Northern Territory, Australia
Akter, S., Netzel, M., Tinggi, U., Fletcher, M., Williams, D. and Sultanbawa, Y. (2017). Nutritional and Anti-Nutritional Properties of Terminalia ferdinandiana (Kakadu plum) from the Northern Territory, Australia. TropAg2017, International Tropical Agriculture Conference, Brisbane, Qld, Australia, 20-22 November 2017.
2017
Conference Publication
Phytates and oxalates in Kakadu plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana): toxins to be considered
Akter, Saleha, Tinggi, Ujang, Netzel, Michael E., Fletcher, Mary T. and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2017). Phytates and oxalates in Kakadu plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana): toxins to be considered. 2nd Queensland Annual Chemistry Symposium QACS 2017, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 27 November 2017.
2017
Conference Publication
Biofortification - Queen Garnet plum - a success story
Netzel, Michael (2017). Biofortification - Queen Garnet plum - a success story. UQ/TUM Research Symposium "Biotechnology for Food & Chemicals", Munich, Germany, 19-21 June 2017.
2017
Conference Publication
Kakadu plum kernels: a novel nutrition source
Akter, Saleha , Williams, David J., Netzel, Michael , Fletcher, Mary , Tinggi, Ujang and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2017). Kakadu plum kernels: a novel nutrition source. 2017 Australian Institute of Food Sccience and Technology Convention, Sydney, Australia, 17-18 July 2017. Sydney, Australia: AIFST (NSW Branch).
2017
Conference Publication
Queensland grown Queen Garnet plum: Nutritious and healthy - A case study
Netzel, M. (2017). Queensland grown Queen Garnet plum: Nutritious and healthy - A case study. TropAg2017, International Tropical Agriculture Conference, Brisbane, Qld, Australia, 20-22 November 2017.
2017
Conference Publication
Kakadu plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana) kernels: A novel nutrition source
Akter, Saleha, Netzel, Michael, Tinggi, Ujang, Fletcher, Mary and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2017). Kakadu plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana) kernels: A novel nutrition source. AIFST 50th Anniversary Convention, Sydney, Australia, 17-18 July 2017.
2017
Conference Publication
A Biorefinery of Nannochloropsis for the Sustainable Production of Eicosapentaenoic Acid and High-Value Protein Supplements
Chua, E., Eltanahy, E., Dal'Molin, C., Netzel, M., Netzel, G., Thomas-Hall, S. and Schenk, P. (2017). A Biorefinery of Nannochloropsis for the Sustainable Production of Eicosapentaenoic Acid and High-Value Protein Supplements. TropAg2017, International Tropical Agriculture Conference, Brisbane, Qld, Australia, 20-22 November 2017.
Funding
Current funding
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Michael Netzel is:
- Available for supervision
Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.
Supervision history
Current supervision
-
Doctor Philosophy
Investigating the nutritional and bioactive properties of native Australian Citrus species
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Natasha Hungerford, Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa
-
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
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
Completed supervision
-
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
-
2023
Doctor Philosophy
Australian indigenous edible halophytes - potential sources of functional ingredients
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Olivia Wright, Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa
-
2019
Doctor Philosophy
Exploring the Nutritional Potential of Carica papaya Linn Cultivars
Principal Advisor
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
2022
Doctor Philosophy
Use of Novel Green Technologies for Preservation of Horticultural Produce using Plant Bioactives
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa
-
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
-
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
-
2020
Doctor Philosophy
Development of a microalgal biorefinery to produce omega-3 fatty acid EPA and other high-value compounds from Nannochloropsis
Associate Advisor
-
2020
Doctor Philosophy
Assessing the safe use of Terminalia ferdinandiana for dietary purposes
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Emerita Professor Mary Fletcher, Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa
-
2019
Doctor Philosophy
IDENTIFICATION AND INDUCED BIOSYNTHESIS OF NATURAL HEALTH COMPOUNDS IN MICROALGAE
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Harendra Parekh, Dr Karnaker Reddy Tupally
-
2015
Doctor Philosophy
Induction of carotenoid and phytosterol accumulation in microalgae
Associate Advisor
Media
Enquiries
For media enquiries about Dr Michael Netzel's areas of expertise, story ideas and help finding experts, contact our Media team: