
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
2016
Conference Publication
Bioactive phytochemicals and their bioaccessibility in four unexploited tropical fruits grown in Queensland, Australia
Netzel, M., Bobrich, A., Fanning, K., Rychlik, M. and Diczbalis, Y. (2016). Bioactive phytochemicals and their bioaccessibility in four unexploited tropical fruits grown in Queensland, Australia. International Symposium on Tropical and Temperate Horticulture, Cairns, QLD, Australia, 20-25 November 2016.
2016
Conference Publication
Effect of thermal processing on indospicine residues in meat and its digestive fate in the human gastrointestinal tract in vitro
Sultan, Saira, Giles, Cindy, Netzel, Gabriele, Osborne, Simone, Netzel, Michael and Fletcher, Mary (2016). Effect of thermal processing on indospicine residues in meat and its digestive fate in the human gastrointestinal tract in vitro. International Conference on Global Trends in Safe & Healthy Food, Faisalabad, Pakistan, 15-16 February, 2016.
2016
Conference Publication
In vitro digestion of indospicine-contaminated camel meat cooked by microwave
Sultan, S., Giles, C., Netzel, G., Osborne, S., Netzel, M. and Fletcher, M. (2016). In vitro digestion of indospicine-contaminated camel meat cooked by microwave. 1st Food Chemistry Conference, Shaping the Future of Food Quality, Health and Safety, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 30 October – 1 November 2016.
2015
Journal Article
Cyanidin 3-glucoside improves diet-induced metabolic syndrome in rats
Bhaswant, Maharshi, Fanning, Kent, Netzel, Michael, Mathai, Michael L., Panchal, Sunil K. and Brown, Lindsay (2015). Cyanidin 3-glucoside improves diet-induced metabolic syndrome in rats. Pharmacological Research, 102, 208-217. doi: 10.1016/j.phrs.2015.10.006
2015
Journal Article
Phytochemicals of papaya and its traditional health and culinary uses - A review
Ikram, Emmy Hainida Khairul, Stanley, Roger, Netzel, Michael and Fanning, Kent (2015). Phytochemicals of papaya and its traditional health and culinary uses - A review. Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, 41, 201-211. doi: 10.1016/j.jfca.2015.02.010
2015
Journal Article
Effect of drying, storage temperature and air exposure on astaxanthin stability from Haematococcus pluvialis
Ahmed, Faruq, Li, Yan, Fanning, Kent, Netzel, Michael and Schenk, Peer M. (2015). Effect of drying, storage temperature and air exposure on astaxanthin stability from Haematococcus pluvialis. Food Research International, 74, 231-236. doi: 10.1016/j.foodres.2015.05.021
2015
Conference Publication
Impact of Zeaxanthin Concentration On its Bioaccessibility in Biofortified Sweet Corn
Zeilmann, T., Fanning, K. J., Technische, Rychlik M., Netzel, M. E. and O'Hare, T. J. (2015). Impact of Zeaxanthin Concentration On its Bioaccessibility in Biofortified Sweet Corn. MILAN: WICHTIG PUBL.
2015
Conference Publication
Queen Garnet plum in a rat model of diet-induced metabolic syndrome.
Bhaswani M, Netzel M, Fanning K and Brown L (2015). Queen Garnet plum in a rat model of diet-induced metabolic syndrome.. 12th Asian Congress of Nutrition, Yokohama Japan, 14-18 May 2015.
2015
Journal Article
Folate bioavailability from foods rich in folates assessed in a short term human study using stable isotope dilution assays
Mönch, Sabine, Netzel, Michael, Netzel, Gabriele, Ott, Undine, Frank, Thomas and Rychlik, Michael (2015). Folate bioavailability from foods rich in folates assessed in a short term human study using stable isotope dilution assays. Food and Function, 6 (1), 242-248. doi: 10.1039/c4fo00658e
2015
Journal Article
Induced carotenoid accumulation in Dunaliella salina and Tetraselmis suecica by plant hormones and UV-C radiation
Ahmed, Faruq, Fanning, Kent, Netzel, Michael and Schenk, Peer M. (2015). Induced carotenoid accumulation in Dunaliella salina and Tetraselmis suecica by plant hormones and UV-C radiation. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, 99 (22), 9407-9416. doi: 10.1007/s00253-015-6792-x
2015
Conference Publication
Bioactive anthocyanins in 'Queen Garnet' plum - maturity and bioaccessibility
Netzel, M. E., Fanning, K., Russell, D., Stanley, R. and Topp, B. (2015). Bioactive anthocyanins in 'Queen Garnet' plum - maturity and bioaccessibility. XXIX International Horticultural Congress: IHC2014, Brisbane, Australia, 17-22 August, 2014. Leuven, Belgium: International Society for Horticultural Science. doi: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2015.1106.33
2015
Edited Outputs
Acta Horticulturae 1106: Proceedings of the VI International Symposium on Human Health Effects of Fruits and Vegetables - FAVHEALTH2014
Tim J. O'Hare and Michael E. Netzel eds. (2015). Acta Horticulturae 1106: Proceedings of the VI International Symposium on Human Health Effects of Fruits and Vegetables - FAVHEALTH2014. VI International Symposium on Human Health Effects of Fruits and Vegetables - FAVHEALTH2014, Brisbane Australia, 17-22 August 2014. Leuven, Belgium: ISHS.
2015
Conference Publication
Agricultural Production – The Nutritional Quality of Biofortified Produce
Netzel, Michael (2015). Agricultural Production – The Nutritional Quality of Biofortified Produce. TUM/UQ Symposium "Water, Environment and Sustainability", Munich, Germany, 11-12 June 2015.
2015
Conference Publication
Phytochemicals in the tissues of Australian-grown papaya cultivars
Ikram, E. H., Netzel, M. E., Fanning, K. and Stanley, R. (2015). Phytochemicals in the tissues of Australian-grown papaya cultivars. FAV HEALTH: International Symposium on Human Health Effects of Fruits and Vegetables, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 17-20 August 2014. Leuven, Belgium: International Society for Horticultural Science. doi: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2015.1106.27
2015
Journal Article
Consumption of anthocyanin-rich Queen Garnet plum juice reduces platelet activation related thrombogenesis in healthy volunteers
Santhakumar, Abishek Bommannan, Kundur, Avinash Reddy, Fanning, Kent, Netzel, Michael, Stanley, Roger and Singh, Indu (2015). Consumption of anthocyanin-rich Queen Garnet plum juice reduces platelet activation related thrombogenesis in healthy volunteers. Journal of Functional Foods, 12, 11-22. doi: 10.1016/j.jff.2014.10.026
2015
Conference Publication
Screening Queensland grown sorghum for health promoting compounds.
Netzel M, Lim J, Netzel G, Cruickshank A and Fox G (2015). Screening Queensland grown sorghum for health promoting compounds.. Tropical Agriculture Conference, Brisbane Australia, 16-18 November 2015.
2015
Conference Publication
Verfügbarkeit phenolischer Komponenten aus Rotwein (Lemberger) und rotem Traubensaft für den Menschen
Bitsch, Roland, Netzel, Michael, Netzel, Gabi, Frank, Thomas and Bitsch, Irmgard (2015). Verfügbarkeit phenolischer Komponenten aus Rotwein (Lemberger) und rotem Traubensaft für den Menschen. 38th World Congress of Vine and Wine, Mainz, Germany, 5–10 July 2015. Les Ulis, France: EDP Sciences. doi: 10.1051/oivconf/201508002
2015
Conference Publication
Carotenoids in unexploited tropical fruits grown in Queensland, Australia.
Netzel M, Bobrich A, Fanning K, Rychlik M and Diczbalis Y (2015). Carotenoids in unexploited tropical fruits grown in Queensland, Australia.. Tropical Agriculture Conference, Brisbane Australia, 16-18 November 2015.
2015
Conference Publication
In vitro digestion models for measuring Indospicine bioaccessibility and stability in Camel meat.
Sultan S, Netzel G, Osborne S, Netzel M and Fletcher M (2015). In vitro digestion models for measuring Indospicine bioaccessibility and stability in Camel meat.. Tropical Agriculture Conference, Brisbane Australia, 16-18 November 2015.
2015
Conference Publication
Sorghum a promising alternative
Netzel, Michael (2015). Sorghum a promising alternative. Nutrition Society of Australia, QLD Branch Scientific Seminar Series, Coopers Plains, QLD, Australia, 9 November 2015.
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
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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
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Doctor Philosophy
Modelling interactive effects of environment and physicochemical properties of Persoonia spp.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Dharini Sivakumar, Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa
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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
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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
Enquiries
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