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
2019
Conference Publication
Effect of curcumin-based photodynamic treatment on nutritional properties of strawberry fruit
Sarwar, Shammy, Mereddy, Ram, Netzel, Michael E, Netzel, Gabriele and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2019). Effect of curcumin-based photodynamic treatment on nutritional properties of strawberry fruit. Queensland Annual Chemistry Symposium, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 29 November 2019.
2019
Conference Publication
Strawberries - an underestimated dietary source of folate
Netzel, Michael, Weber, Nadine, Dumler, Caroline, Striegel, Lisa, Phan, Anh, Trieu, Hung, Rychlik, Michael and O'Hare, Tim (2019). Strawberries - an underestimated dietary source of folate. 42nd Annual Scientific Meeting of the Nutrition Society of Australia, Canberra, ACT, Australia, 27-30 November 2018. MDPI.
2019
Conference Publication
The effect of storage temperature on the accumulation of anthocyanins in different fruit tissues of Queen Garnet Plum
Kodagoda, Gethmini, Hong, Hung, Topp, Bruce, Sultanbawa, Yasmina, O'Hare, Tim and Netzel, Michael (2019). The effect of storage temperature on the accumulation of anthocyanins in different fruit tissues of Queen Garnet Plum. 4th Queensland Annual Chemistry Symposium QACS 2019, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 29 November 2019.
2019
Conference Publication
Optimizing the antimicrobial activity of Tasmanian pepper leaf oil emulsion as a natural preservative for capsicum
Seidi Dmayeh, Maral, Mereddy, Ram, Netzel, Michael E. and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2019). Optimizing the antimicrobial activity of Tasmanian pepper leaf oil emulsion as a natural preservative for capsicum. International Tropical Agriculture Conference, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 11-13 November 2019. Basel, Switzerland: MDPI. doi: 10.3390/proceedings2019036094
2019
Conference Publication
Nutritional value of Australian traditional foods and diet diversification from a global perspective
Netzel, Michael, Rychlik, Michael, Wright, Olivia and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2019). Nutritional value of Australian traditional foods and diet diversification from a global perspective. TropAg2019, International Tropical Agriculture Conference, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 11-13 November 2019.
2019
Conference Publication
Roadmap to assess the nutritional value of plant based (native) foods
Netzel, Michael (2019). Roadmap to assess the nutritional value of plant based (native) foods. "Exploring the nutritional value and potential benefits of native foods”, Joint Seminar between the ARC Training Centre for Uniquely Australian Foods & the Nutrition Society of Australia QLD, Coopers Plains, QLD, Australia, 16 August 2019.
2019
Conference Publication
Optimisation of extraction and saponification for the determination of free- and bound-carotenoids in orange capsicum and avocado
Hong, Hung, Agarwal, Rimjhim, Netzel, Michael and O'Hare, Tim (2019). Optimisation of extraction and saponification for the determination of free- and bound-carotenoids in orange capsicum and avocado. 4th Queensland Annual Chemistry Symposium QACS 2019, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 29 November 2019.
2019
Conference Publication
Designing meal plans for the foodservice sector using traditional Australian foods
Wright, Olivia, Netzel, Michael and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2019). Designing meal plans for the foodservice sector using traditional Australian foods. TropAg2019, International Tropical Agriculture Conference, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 11-13 November 2019.
2019
Journal Article
Transcriptome-wide analysis of Chlorella reveals auxin-induced carotenogenesis pathway in green microalgae
Alsenani, Faisal, Wass, Taylor J., Ma, Ruijuan, Eltanahy, Eladl, Netzel, Michael E. and Schenk, Peer M. (2019). Transcriptome-wide analysis of Chlorella reveals auxin-induced carotenogenesis pathway in green microalgae. Algal Research, 37, 320-335. doi: 10.1016/j.algal.2018.12.002
2019
Conference Publication
Rediscovering the value of Indigenous plant foods for diet diversification as one perspective for Australia’s Bioeconomy
Rychlik, Michael, Chaliha, Mridusmita, Netzel, Michael and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2019). Rediscovering the value of Indigenous plant foods for diet diversification as one perspective for Australia’s Bioeconomy. Bioenergy STRONG Research Summit, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 12-15 November 2019.
2019
Conference Publication
Nutritional profile and phytochemical characteristics of Australian grown Samphire (Tecticornia sp.)
Srivarathan, Sukirtha, Phan, Anh, Hong, Hung, Wright, Olivia, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael (2019). Nutritional profile and phytochemical characteristics of Australian grown Samphire (Tecticornia sp.). 4th Queensland Annual Chemistry Symposium QACS 2019, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 29 November 2019.
2019
Conference Publication
Nutritional characteristics of Australian grown feijoa (Acca sellowiana) and its antimicrobial activity
Phan, Anh D. T., Chaliha, Mridusmita, Bicknel, Rohan, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael E. (2019). Nutritional characteristics of Australian grown feijoa (Acca sellowiana) and its antimicrobial activity. TropAg2019, International Tropical Agriculture Conference, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 11 - 13 November 2019. Basel, Switzerland: M D P I AG. doi: 10.3390/proceedings2019036100
2018
Edited Outputs
Proceedings ‘Foodomics and Human Health: Metabolomics and its Relevance for Nutrition Studies’
Michael E. Netzel ed. (2018). Proceedings ‘Foodomics and Human Health: Metabolomics and its Relevance for Nutrition Studies’. Seminar of the Nutrition Society of Australia (NSA) Brisbane Local Group, Health & Food Sciences Precinct (HFSP), Coopers Plains, 3 December 2018.
2018
Journal Article
Buchanania obovata: An Australian Indigenous food for diet diversification
Fyfe, Selina A., Netzel, Michael E., Tinggi, Ujang, Biehl, Eva M. and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2018). Buchanania obovata: An Australian Indigenous food for diet diversification. Nutrition and Dietetics, 75 (5), 527-532. doi: 10.1111/1747-0080.12437
2018
Journal Article
Blue light enhances astaxanthin biosynthesis metabolism and extraction efficiency in Haematococcus pluvialis by inducing haematocyst germination
Ma, Ruijuan, Thomas-Hall, Skye R., Chua, Elvis T., Eltanahy, Eladl, Netzel, Michael E., Netzel, Gabriele, Lu, Yinghua and Schenk, Peer M. (2018). Blue light enhances astaxanthin biosynthesis metabolism and extraction efficiency in Haematococcus pluvialis by inducing haematocyst germination. Algal Research, 35, 215-222. doi: 10.1016/j.algal.2018.08.023
2018
Journal Article
Release of indospicine from contaminated camel meat following cooking and simulated gastrointestinal digestion: implications for human consumption
Sultan, Saira, Giles, Cindy, Netzel, Gabriele, Osborne, Simone A., Netzel, Michael E. and Fletcher, Mary T. (2018). Release of indospicine from contaminated camel meat following cooking and simulated gastrointestinal digestion: implications for human consumption. Toxins, 10 (9) 356, 356. doi: 10.3390/toxins10090356
2018
Conference Publication
Bioactive phytochemicals and their bioaccessibility in four unexploited tropical fruits grown in Queensland, Australia
Bobrich, Anna, Fanning, Kent J., Rychlik, Michael, Netzel, Gabriele, Diczbalis, Yan and Netzel, Michael E. (2018). Bioactive phytochemicals and their bioaccessibility in four unexploited tropical fruits grown in Queensland, Australia. International Symposia on Tropical and Temperate Horticulture (ISTTH), Cairns Australia, Nov 20-25, 2016. Leuven, Belgium: International Society for Horticultural Science. doi: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2018.1205.29
2018
Journal Article
A systematic literature review of the effect of anthocyanins on gut microbiota populations
Igwe, E. O. , Charlton, K., Probst, Y., Kent, K. and Netzel, M. E. (2018). A systematic literature review of the effect of anthocyanins on gut microbiota populations. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, 32 (1) https://doi.org/10.1111/jhn.12582, 53-62. doi: 10.1111/jhn.12582
2018
Journal Article
Nutritional characteristics of native Australian fruits: Kakadu plum and green plum as examples
Netzel, Michael and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2018). Nutritional characteristics of native Australian fruits: Kakadu plum and green plum as examples. Nutridate, 29 (3), 8-12.
2018
Journal Article
Buchanania obovata: functionality and phytochemical profiling of the Australian native green plum
Fyfe, Selina A., Netzel, Gabriele, Netzel, Michael E. and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2018). Buchanania obovata: functionality and phytochemical profiling of the Australian native green plum. Foods, 7 (5) 71, 71. doi: 10.3390/foods7050071
Funding
Current funding
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Michael Netzel is:
- Available for supervision
Looking for a supervisor? Read our advice on how to choose a supervisor.
Supervision history
Current supervision
-
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
Investigating the nutritional and bioactive properties of native Australian Citrus species
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Natasha Hungerford, 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: Dr Loan Nguyen, Dr Anh Phan, Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa
-
Doctor Philosophy
Exploring the Nutritional and Functional Quality of Australian Indigenous Yam
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Femi Akinsanmi, Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa, Dr Oladipupo Adiamo
-
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
Completed supervision
-
2023
Doctor Philosophy
Effect of storage on the nutritional quality of 'Rubycot' plumcot and 'Queen Garnet' plum
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: 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, Dr Anh Phan
-
2019
Doctor Philosophy
Exploring the Nutritional Potential of Carica papaya Linn Cultivars
Principal Advisor
-
2026
Doctor Philosophy
Quality, phytochemicals, bioactivities, and gut microbiome modulation of different Geebung (Persoonia spp.)
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Anh Phan, Dr Dharini Sivakumar, Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa
-
2025
Doctor Philosophy
Exploring the nutritional quality and food functionality of Burdekin plum (Pleiogynium timoriense)
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Daniel Cozzolino, Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa
-
2025
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
-
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
Nutritional and Functional Quality of Flour and Proteins from Australian Acacia seed
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Mike Gidley, Professor Louw Hoffman, 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 growing region and processing on the quality and functionality of wild harvested Terminalia ferdinandiana Exell fruits
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Anh Phan, Associate Professor Daniel Cozzolino, 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: Dr Gabi Netzel, Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa
-
2020
Doctor Philosophy
Assessing the safe use of Terminalia ferdinandiana for dietary purposes
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Emerita Professor Mary Fletcher, 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
Other advisors: Dr Gabi Netzel
-
2019
Doctor Philosophy
IDENTIFICATION AND INDUCED BIOSYNTHESIS OF NATURAL HEALTH COMPOUNDS IN MICROALGAE
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Harendra Parekh
-
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: