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
2011
Conference Publication
In vivo metabolites from plum anthocyanins as potential bioactive compounds
Netzel, M., Fanning, K., Houlihan, A., Netzel, G., Frank, T., Zabaras, D., Russell, D. and Stanley, R. (2011). In vivo metabolites from plum anthocyanins as potential bioactive compounds. 5th International Conference on Mechanisms of Action of Nutraceuticals (ICMAN5), Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 13 - 15 October 2011.
2011
Conference Publication
Understand the metabolism of anthocyanins as a basic requirement to elucidate their in vivo mode of action
Netzel, Michael, Fanning, Kent, Netzel, Gabriele, Houlihan, Avis, Zabaras, Dimitrios, Russell, Dougal and Stanley, Roger (2011). Understand the metabolism of anthocyanins as a basic requirement to elucidate their in vivo mode of action. 5th International Conference on Mechanisms of Action of Nutraceuticals (ICMAN5), Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 13-15 October 2011.
2011
Conference Publication
Strawberries are rich sources of bioactive polyphenols
Fredericks, C., Fanning, K., Netzel, M., Netzel, G., Herrington, M. and Gidley, M. (2011). Strawberries are rich sources of bioactive polyphenols. Australian Food Science Summer School (1st, AIFST, 2011), St. Lucia, QLD, Australia, 9-11 February 2011. AIFST.
2010
Journal Article
Quantitation of folates and their catabolites in blood plasma, erythrocytes, and urine by stable isotope dilution assays
Moench, Sabine, Netzel, Michael, Netzel, Gabriele and Rychlik, Michael (2010). Quantitation of folates and their catabolites in blood plasma, erythrocytes, and urine by stable isotope dilution assays. Analytical Biochemistry, 398 (2), 150-160. doi: 10.1016/j.ab.2009.11.007
2010
Conference Publication
Queen Garnet plum, a new plum variety rich in antioxidant compounds: First results from a pilot study with healthy human subjects
Netzel, M., Fanning, K., Netzel, G., Zabaras, D., Dougal, R. and Stanley, R. (2010). Queen Garnet plum, a new plum variety rich in antioxidant compounds: First results from a pilot study with healthy human subjects. 240th American Chemical Society National Meeting, Boston MA., United States, 22-26 August 2010. American Chemical Society.
2010
Conference Publication
Vergleichende Bioverfuegbarkeit und Bioaktivitaet antioxidativer Polyphenole aus Apfelprodukten
Bitsch, R., Netzel, M., Netzel, G., Ruhlig, K., Dietrich, H., Thielen, C., Ott, U. and Bitsch, I. (2010). Vergleichende Bioverfuegbarkeit und Bioaktivitaet antioxidativer Polyphenole aus Apfelprodukten. 47. Wissenschaftliche Kongress der deutschen Gesellschaft fuer Ernaehrung (DGE), Jena, Germany, 11-12 March 2010. German Nutrition Society.
2010
Conference Publication
Comparative study of the effects of high pressure processing on enzyme activity and quality of different strawberry cultivars
Shiferaw, N. T., Netzel, G., Kleintschek, T., Gamage, M., Versteeg, C. and Netzel, M. (2010). Comparative study of the effects of high pressure processing on enzyme activity and quality of different strawberry cultivars. 15th World Congress of food Science and Technology (IUFoST), Cape Town, South Africa, 22-26 August 2010. IUFOST.
2010
Conference Publication
The effects of high pressure and thermal processing on enzyme activity and quality of different strawberry cultivars
Shiferaw, T. N., Netzel, G., Kleintschek, T., Gamage, M., Versteeg, C. and Netzel, M. (2010). The effects of high pressure and thermal processing on enzyme activity and quality of different strawberry cultivars. 43rd Annual AIFST Convention 2010, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, 25-28 July 2010. AIFST.
2010
Conference Publication
Phytonutrition - plant breeding, processing and bioavailability
Netzel, Michael (2010). Phytonutrition - plant breeding, processing and bioavailability. Faculty Seminar, Centre of Life and Food Sciences Weihenstephan, TU Munich, Weihenstephan, Munich, Germany, 15 December 2010.
2010
Conference Publication
High Pressure and Thermal Processing of Strawberries - Effect on Quality and Storage Stability
Shiferaw, N. T., Netzel, G., Kleintschek, T., Gamage, M. and Netzel, M. (2010). High Pressure and Thermal Processing of Strawberries - Effect on Quality and Storage Stability. Higher Valued Foods – FIESTA 2010, 5th Innovative Foods Conference, Food innovation: Emerging Science, Technologies and Applications, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, 18-19 August 2010. Brisbane, QLD Australia: FIESTA.
2010
Conference Publication
Interactions between models of the plant cell wall & black carrot bioactives may affect the bioavailability of these compounds
Padayachee, A., Netzel, G., Netzel, M., Mikkelsen, D., Day, L. and Gidley, M. (2010). Interactions between models of the plant cell wall & black carrot bioactives may affect the bioavailability of these compounds. 15th World Congress of food Science and Technology (IUFoST), Cape Town, South Africa, 22-26 August 2010. IUFoST.
2010
Conference Publication
Interactions between the plant cell wall and black carrot bioactives may affect the bioavailability of these compounds
Padayachee, A., Netzel, G., Netzel, M., Mikkelsen, D., Day, L. and Gidley, M. (2010). Interactions between the plant cell wall and black carrot bioactives may affect the bioavailability of these compounds. 43rd Annual AIFST Convention 2010, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, 25-28 July 2010. AIFST.
2010
Conference Publication
Die Harnsaeurekonzentrationen in Plasma und Urin gesunder Versuchspersonen nach Verzehr polyphenolreicher Aepfel, Apfelsaft oder Apfelsaftextrakt
Bitsch, I., Netzel, M., Netzel, G., Ruhlig, K., Ott, U., Thielen, C., Dietrich, H. and Bitsch, R. (2010). Die Harnsaeurekonzentrationen in Plasma und Urin gesunder Versuchspersonen nach Verzehr polyphenolreicher Aepfel, Apfelsaft oder Apfelsaftextrakt. 47. Wissenschaftliche Kongress der deutschen Gesellschaft fuer Ernaehrung (DGE), Jena, Germany, 11-12 March 2010. German Nutrition Society.
2010
Conference Publication
Anthocyanin-rich plum as a beverage base with potential health functionality
Fanning, K., Netzel, M., Netzel, G., Russell, D. and Stanley, R. (2010). Anthocyanin-rich plum as a beverage base with potential health functionality. 7th International Conference, Functional Foods in the Prevention and Management of Metabolic Syndrome, Dallas TX, United States, 3-4 December 2010.
2010
Conference Publication
Effect of Combined Pulsed Electric Field and Thermal Processing on Individual Grape Anthocyanins
Buckow, R., Semrau, J., Netzel, G., Shiferaw, T. N. and Netzel, M. (2010). Effect of Combined Pulsed Electric Field and Thermal Processing on Individual Grape Anthocyanins. FIESTA 2010, 5th Innovative Foods Conference, Food Innovation: Emerging Science, Technologies and Applications, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, 18-19 August 2010. Brisbane, QLD Australia: FIESTA.
2009
Conference Publication
Methods to determine the bioavailability of phytochemicals
Netzel, M., Netzel, G., Addepalli, R., Seymour, R. and Day, L. (2009). Methods to determine the bioavailability of phytochemicals. Tropical Fruits in Human Nutrition and Health Conference, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia, 8-11 November 2008. Brisbane, Queensland: The State of Queensland, Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation.
2009
Conference Publication
Urinary excretion of antioxidant compounds and metabolites in healthy subjects following ingestion of Queen Garnet plum juice
Netzel, M., Netzel, G., Fanning, K., Karagianis, G. and Stanley, R. (2009). Urinary excretion of antioxidant compounds and metabolites in healthy subjects following ingestion of Queen Garnet plum juice. 42nd Annual AIFST Convention, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 13-16 July 2009.
2009
Conference Publication
Moderne Verfahren zur Messung der Bioverfuegbarkeit von Folaten mit Hilfe von stabilen Isotopen
Rychlik, M., Moench, S., Netzel, M., Netzel, G. and Frank, T. (2009). Moderne Verfahren zur Messung der Bioverfuegbarkeit von Folaten mit Hilfe von stabilen Isotopen. 46. Wissenschaftliche Kongress der Deutschen Gesellschaft fuer Ernaehrung (DGE), Giessen, Germany, 12-13 March 2009. German Nutrition Society.
2009
Conference Publication
Antioxidant activities and phytochemicals in selected mango cultivars grown in Queensland
Netzel, M., Netzel, G., Fanning, K., Karagianis, G. and Stanley, R. (2009). Antioxidant activities and phytochemicals in selected mango cultivars grown in Queensland. 42nd Annual AIFST Convention, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 13-16 July 2009.
2009
Conference Publication
The health benefits of tropical fruit grown in Queensland, Australia
Fanning, K., Murray, D., Stanley, R. and Netzel, M. (2009). The health benefits of tropical fruit grown in Queensland, Australia. Tropical Fruits in Human Nutrition and Health Conference, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia, 8-11 November 2008. Brisbane, Queensland: The State of Queensland, Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation.
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
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
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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
-
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
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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