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
2013
Conference Publication
Breeding anthocyanin rich strawberries for a healthy diet
Fanning, K., Fredericks, C., Netzel, G, Gidley, M. J., Herrington, M. and Netzel, M. (2013). Breeding anthocyanin rich strawberries for a healthy diet. 5th International Symposium on human health effects of fruits and vegetables (FAV 2012), Dharwad, India, 6-10 November 2012.
2013
Conference Publication
Black carrot polyphenols and their effect on plant cell wall fermentability
Netzel, G., Mikkelsen, D., Flanagan, B., Netzel, M., Gidley, M. J. and Williams, B. A. (2013). Black carrot polyphenols and their effect on plant cell wall fermentability. NSA NSNZ 2013 Joint Annual Scientific Meeting: 37th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Nutrition Society of Australia in conjunction with the Nutrition Society of New Zealand, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 4-6 December, 2013. Perth, WA, Australia: Australasian Medical Journa.
2012
Journal Article
Binding of polyphenols to plant cell wall analogues - part 2: phenolic acids
Padayachee, A., Netzel, G., Netzel, M., Day, L., Zabaras, D., Mikkelsen, D. and Gidley, M. J. (2012). Binding of polyphenols to plant cell wall analogues - part 2: phenolic acids. Food Chemistry, 135 (4), 2287-2292. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2012.07.004
2012
Journal Article
Binding of polyphenols to plant cell wall analogues - part 1: Anthocyanins
Padayachee, A., Netzel, G., Netzel, M., Day, L., Zabaras, D., Mikkelsen, D. and Gidley, M. (2012). Binding of polyphenols to plant cell wall analogues - part 1: Anthocyanins. Food Chemistry, 134 (1), 155-161. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2012.02.082
2012
Journal Article
Consumption of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. aqueous extract and its impact on systemic antioxidant potential in healthy subjects
Frank, Thomas, Netzel, Gabriele, Kammerer, Dietmar R., Carle, Reinhold, Kler, Adolf, Kriesl, Erwin, Bitsch, Irmgard, Bitsch, Roland and Netzel, Michael (2012). Consumption of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. aqueous extract and its impact on systemic antioxidant potential in healthy subjects. Journal of The Science of Food And Agriculture, 92 (10), 2207-2218. doi: 10.1002/jsfa.5615
2012
Journal Article
Urinary excretion of antioxidants in healthy humans following Queen Garnet plum juice ingestion: a new plum variety rich in antioxidant compounds
Netzel, Michael, Fanning, Kent, Netzel, Gabriele, Zabaras, Dimitrios, Karagianis, Gloria, Treloar, Tony, Russell, Dougal and Stanley, Roger (2012). Urinary excretion of antioxidants in healthy humans following Queen Garnet plum juice ingestion: a new plum variety rich in antioxidant compounds. Journal of Food Biochemistry, 36 (2), 159-170. doi: 10.1111/j.1745-4514.2010.00522.x
2012
Conference Publication
Phenolic and anthocyanin contents of Australian Sorghums
Wei, Q., Houlihan, A., Netzel, M. and Sopade, P. A. (2012). Phenolic and anthocyanin contents of Australian Sorghums. 62nd Annual Cereal Chemistry Conference, Surfers Paradise, Australia, 26-29 August 2012.
2012
Conference Publication
Structure and digestion in plant cell wall materials: does size matter?
Day, Li, Netzel, Michael, Williams, Barbara A. and Gidley, Michael J. (2012). Structure and digestion in plant cell wall materials: does size matter?. 6th international Symposium on Food Rheology and Structure (ISFRS 2012), Zurich, Switzerland, 10-13 April 2012. Zurich, Switzerland: Laboratory of Food Process Engineering.
2012
Conference Publication
Antioxidant capacity of Carica papaya Linn cultivars
Ikram, E. H. K., Stanley, R., Netzel, M. and Fanning, K. (2012). Antioxidant capacity of Carica papaya Linn cultivars. QAAFI 2012 Annual Research Meeting, Sanctuary Cove, QLD, Australia, 10-11 July, 2012.
2012
Conference Publication
Characteristics of sorghum phenolic compounds and how they may influence nutritional value
Netzel, Michael (2012). Characteristics of sorghum phenolic compounds and how they may influence nutritional value. Improving Sorghum as a Feed Grain (Feed Grain Partnership), Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 4 December 2012.
2012
Edited Outputs
Technology for Food Quality: Proceedings 12th Government Food Analysts Conference
Glenn Graham, Michael Netzel, Trudy Graham, Mary Fletcher, Gloria Karagianis, Cindy Giles, Ujang Tinggi and Pieter Scheelings eds. (2012). Technology for Food Quality: Proceedings 12th Government Food Analysts Conference. 12th Government Food Analysts Conference (GFAC), Brisbane Australia, 22-24 February 2011. Coopers Plains, QLD, Australia: Health and Food Sciences Precinct.
2012
Conference Publication
Characteristics of sorghum phenolic compounds and how they may influence nutritional value
Netzel, M., Sopade, P. A. and Fanning, K. (2012). Characteristics of sorghum phenolic compounds and how they may influence nutritional value. Improving Sorghum as a Feed Grain, Brisbane Australia, 04 december 2012.
2012
Book Chapter
Urinary pharmacokinetics of Queen Garnet plum anthocyanins in healthy human subjects
Netzel, M., Fanning, K., Netzel, G., Frank, T., Zabaras, D., Russell, D. and Stanley, R. (2012). Urinary pharmacokinetics of Queen Garnet plum anthocyanins in healthy human subjects. Emerging Trends in Dietary Components for Preventing and Combating Disease. (pp. 375-392) edited by Bhimanagouda S Patil. Washington DC, United States: ACS Publications. doi: 10.1021/bk-2012-1093.ch021
2012
Conference Publication
Polyphenol metabolites in biological fluids as potential biomarkers to assess their dietary intake
Netzel, Michael, Fanning, Kent, Netzel, Gabriele, Houlihan, Avis, Zabaras, Dimitrios and Stanley, Roger (2012). Polyphenol metabolites in biological fluids as potential biomarkers to assess their dietary intake. 12th Government Food Analysts Conference, Brisbane, Australia, 22-24 February 2011. Coopers Plains, QLD, Australia: Health and Food Sciences Precinct (HFSP).
2012
Conference Publication
Stable isotope dilution assays as tools for assessing folate bioavailability
Rychlik, Michael, Moench, Sabine, Netzel, Michael, Netzel, Gabriele, Oehrvik, Veronica, Buettner, Barbara, Lundin, Eva and Witthoeft, Cornelia M. (2012). Stable isotope dilution assays as tools for assessing folate bioavailability. American Chemical Society 243rd National Meeting and Exposition, San Diego, United States, 25-29 March 2012. WASHINGTON: AMER CHEMICAL SOC.
2012
Conference Publication
Innovative processing technologies for preserving polyphenols in fruit products
Buckow, R., Terefe, S. N. and Netzel, M. (2012). Innovative processing technologies for preserving polyphenols in fruit products. Health benefits for polyphenol-rich foods and beverages: latest science, Glenelg, SA, Australia, 22 March 2012.
2011
Journal Article
Release and absorption of carotenes from processed carrots (Daucus carota) using in vitro digestion coupled with a Caco-2 cell trans-well culture model
Netzel, Michael, Netzel, Gabriele, Zabaras, Dimitrios, Lundin, Leif, Day, Li, Addepalli, Rama, Osborne, Simone A. and Seymour, Robert (2011). Release and absorption of carotenes from processed carrots (Daucus carota) using in vitro digestion coupled with a Caco-2 cell trans-well culture model. Food Research International, 44 (4), 868-874. doi: 10.1016/j.foodres.2010.10.058
2011
Conference Publication
Polyphenol metabolites in biological fluids as potential biomarkers to assess their dietary intake
Netzel, M, Fanning, K, Netzel, G, Houlihan, A, Zabaras, D and Stanley, R (2011). Polyphenol metabolites in biological fluids as potential biomarkers to assess their dietary intake. 12th Government Food Analysts’ Conference, Technology for Food Quality, Coopers Plains, QLD, Australia, 22-24 February 2012.
2011
Conference Publication
Strawberries as dietary sources of functional components
Fredericks, C., Fanning, K., Netzel, M., Herrington, M. and Gidley, M. (2011). Strawberries as dietary sources of functional components. 12th Government Food Analysts’ Conference, Technology for Food Quality, Coopers Plains, QLD, Australia, 22-24 February 2011. Queensland Health.
2011
Conference Publication
The plant cell wall: Friend or foe to anthocyanin bioaccessibility?
Padayachee, A., Netzel, G., Netzel, M., Day, L., Mikkelsen, D. and Gidley, M. (2011). The plant cell wall: Friend or foe to anthocyanin bioaccessibility?. Australian Food Science Summer School (1st, AIFST, 2011), St. Lucia, QLD, Australia, 9-11 February 2011.
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
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
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Doctor Philosophy
Exploring traditional Aboriginal knowledge and potential enterprise development of fungi in Northern Australia.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Elizabeth Aitken, Associate Professor Sharlene Leroy-Dyer, Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa
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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
-
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
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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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