
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
2014
Conference Publication
Queen Garnet: a functional plum?
Netzel, Michael (2014). Queen Garnet: a functional plum?. Food as Medicines Forum 2014, Springfield, QLD, Australia, 3 July 2014.
2014
Conference Publication
New strawberry breeding lines – enhanced phytochemical composition and bioaccessibility
Zeilmann, Theresa, Netzel, Michael, Herrington, Mark, Rychlik, Michael, O'Hare, Tim and Fanning, Kent (2014). New strawberry breeding lines – enhanced phytochemical composition and bioaccessibility. 38th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Nutrition Society of Australia, Hobart, TAS Australia, 26 - 28 November 2014. Amsterdam, The Netherlands: Elseiver.
2014
Conference Publication
Induction of carotenoid production in the microalgae Tetraselmis suecica and Dunaliella salina by plant hormones
Ahmed, F., Fanning, K., Netzel, M. and Schenk, P. (2014). Induction of carotenoid production in the microalgae Tetraselmis suecica and Dunaliella salina by plant hormones. AIFST Food Science Summer School 2014, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia, 5-7 February 2014.
2013
Journal Article
Comparative effects of thermal and high pressure processing on phenolic phytochemicals in different strawberry cultivars
Terefe, Netsanet Shiferaw, Kleintschek, Tanja, Gamage, Thambaramala, Fanning, Kent J., Netzel, Gabriele, Versteeg, Cornelis and Netzel, Michael (2013). Comparative effects of thermal and high pressure processing on phenolic phytochemicals in different strawberry cultivars. Innovative Food Science and Emerging Technologies, 19, 57-65. doi: 10.1016/j.ifset.2013.05.003
2013
Journal Article
Lack of release of bound anthocyanins and phenolic acids from carrot plant cell walls and model composites during simulated gastric and small intestinal digestion
Padayachee, Anneline, Netzel, Gabriele, Netzel, Michael, Day, Li, Mikkelsen, Deirdre and Gidley, Michael J. (2013). Lack of release of bound anthocyanins and phenolic acids from carrot plant cell walls and model composites during simulated gastric and small intestinal digestion. Food and Function, 4 (6), 906-916. doi: 10.1039/c3fo60091b
2013
Journal Article
High-anthocyanin strawberries through cultivar selection
Fredericks, Charissa H., Fanning, Kent J., Gidley, Michael J., Netzel, Gabriele, Zabaras, Dimitrios, Herrington, Mark and Netzel, Michael (2013). High-anthocyanin strawberries through cultivar selection. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 93 (4), 846-852. doi: 10.1002/jsfa.5806
2013
Journal Article
A dark strawberry may hold increased health benefits
Fanning, Kent, Netzel, Michael, Gidley, Mike, Pruneau, Damien and Herrington, Mark (2013). A dark strawberry may hold increased health benefits. Food Australia, 65 (1), 38-39.
2013
Conference Publication
Carotenoids and antioxidant capacity in microalgae from south-east Queensland, Australia
Ahmed, F., Fanning, K., Netzel, M., Turner, W., Li, Y. and Schenk, P. M. (2013). Carotenoids and antioxidant capacity in microalgae from south-east Queensland, Australia. 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 Journal.
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.
2013
Book Chapter
Microalgae: a valuable source of natural carotenoids with potential health benefits
Ahmed, Faruq, Fanning, Kent, Schuhmann, Holger, Netzel, Michael and Schenk, Peer M. (2013). Microalgae: a valuable source of natural carotenoids with potential health benefits. Carotenoids: Food Sources, Production and Health Benefits. (pp. 143-164) edited by Masayoshi Yamaguchi. Hauppauge, NY, USA: Nova Science Publishers.
2013
Conference Publication
Fibre interactions with polyphenols and implications for gut release
Padayachee, A., Netzel, G., Netzel, M., Day, L., Mikkelsen, D. and Gidley, M. J. (2013). Fibre interactions with polyphenols and implications for gut release. 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 Journal.
2013
Conference Publication
Maximising the potential health properties of papaya fruit and leaf eaten as a food
Ikram, E.H.K. , Stanley, R. , Netzel, M. and Fanning, K. (2013). Maximising the potential health properties of papaya fruit and leaf eaten as a food. 46th Annual AIFST Convention, South Bank, QLD, Australia, 14-16 July, 2013.
2013
Conference Publication
Anthocyanins in Japanese plums: impact of maturity and bioaccessibility
Bobrich, A., Fanning, K., Rychlik, M. and Netzel, M. (2013). Anthocyanins in Japanese plums: impact of maturity and bioaccessibility. 7th World Congress on Polyphenols Applications, Bonn, Germany, 6-7 June 2013. Bonn, Germany:
2013
Conference Publication
Increasing anthocyanin content in queen garnet plum and correlations with in-field measures
Fanning, K., Edwards, D., Netzel, M., Stanley, R., Netzel. G., Russell, D. and Topp, B. (2013). Increasing anthocyanin content in queen garnet plum and correlations with in-field measures. 10th International Symposium on Plum and Prune Genetics, Breeding and Pomology, Davis, CA, United States, 20-26 May 2012. Leuven, Belgium: International Society for Horticultural Science.
2013
Conference Publication
Phytochemicals in Kwai Muk, an unexploited tropical fruit grown in Queensland, Australia
Bobrich, A., Fanning, K., Zabaras, D., Rychlik, M., Diczibalis, Y. and Netzel, M. (2013). Phytochemicals in Kwai Muk, an unexploited tropical fruit grown in Queensland, Australia. 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 Journal.
2013
Conference Publication
Bioactive compounds - challenges and opportunities
Netzel, Michael (2013). Bioactive compounds - challenges and opportunities. Faculty Seminar at the Center of Life and Food Sciences Weihenstephan, TUM, Weihenstephan, Germany, 17 July 2013.
2013
Conference Publication
Anthocyanins in Japanese plums: impact on maturity and bioaccessibility
Bobrich, A., Fanning, K., Rychlik, M. and Netzel, M. (2013). Anthocyanins in Japanese plums: impact on maturity and bioaccessibility. 7th ISANH World Congress on Polyphenols, Bonn, Germany, 6-7 June, 2013.
2013
Conference Publication
Breeding high anthocyanin plums for potential health functionality
Netzel, M., Fanning, K., Netzel, G., Edwards, D., Trloar, T., Stanley, Russell, D. and Topp, B. (2013). Breeding high anthocyanin plums for potential health functionality. 5th International Symposium on human health effects of fruits and vegetables (FAV Health 2012), Dharwad, India, 6-10 November 2012.
2013
Conference Publication
Plant fibre structural inferences on polyphenol release
Padayachee, Anneline, Netzel, G., Netzel, M., Mikkelsen, D. and Gidley, M. (2013). Plant fibre structural inferences on polyphenol release. Food Structure, Digestion and Health: 2nd International Conference, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, 21-24 October, 2013.
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
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 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
Exploring the Nutritional and Functional Quality of Australian Indigenous Yam
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Femi Akinsanmi, Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa
-
Doctor Philosophy
Morphological, physicochemical, phytochemical, nutritional, and bioactivities of different Persoonia fruits
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Dharini Sivakumar, 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
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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
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
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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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 Yasmina Sultanbawa, Professor Louw Hoffman
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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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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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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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