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
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.
2008
Journal Article
Absorption of black currant anthocyanins by monolayers of human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells mounted in Ussing type chambers
Steinert RE, Ditscheid B, Netzel M and Jahreis G (2008). Absorption of black currant anthocyanins by monolayers of human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells mounted in Ussing type chambers. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 56 (13), 4995-5001. doi: 10.1021/jf703670h
2008
Journal Article
Polyphenole aus Trauben – Erste Ergebnisse aus Metabolisierungsstudien mit Traubentresterextrakten und Probanden
Netzel M, Netzel G, Maier T, Kammerer DR, Carle R, Schieber A, Bitsch I and Bitsch R (2008). Polyphenole aus Trauben – Erste Ergebnisse aus Metabolisierungsstudien mit Traubentresterextrakten und Probanden. Fluessiges Obst (5), 240-246.
2008
Conference Publication
Comparative bioavailability and bioactivity of antioxidant polyphenols from apple products
Bitsch, R., Netzel, M., Netzel, G., Ruhlig, K., Dietrich, H., Ott, U. and Bitsch, I. (2008). Comparative bioavailability and bioactivity of antioxidant polyphenols from apple products. XXIV International Conference on Polyphenols, Salamanca, Spain, 08-11 July 2008.
2008
Conference Publication
Apparent absorption and distribution of antioxidant capacity of apple juice in humans
Bitsch, I., Netzel, M., Netzel, G., Krotz, C., Ott, U., Frank, T., Thielen, C., Dietrich, H. and Bitsch, R. (2008). Apparent absorption and distribution of antioxidant capacity of apple juice in humans. Benefits and Risk of Bioactive Plant Compounds COST Action 926 Conference, Kraków, Poland, 27-28 March 2008. Poland: Polskie Towarzystwo Biochemiczne.
2008
Conference Publication
Controlling plant cell wall microstructure through processing to enhance the release and absorption of phytonutrients
Seymour, R., Netzel, G., Addepalli, R., Netzel, M. and Day, L. (2008). Controlling plant cell wall microstructure through processing to enhance the release and absorption of phytonutrients. The joint ASM of the Nutrition Society of Australia and the Nutrition Society of New Zealand 2008, Glenelg, SA, Australia, 30 November - 3 December 2008. Australia: H E C Press.
2008
Conference Publication
Consumption of apples, apple juice and apple juice extract rich in polyphenols on urate concentration in plasma and urine of human volunteers
Bitsch, I., Netzel, M., Netzel, G., Ruhlig, K., Ott, U., Thielen, C., Dietrich, H. and Bitsch, R. (2008). Consumption of apples, apple juice and apple juice extract rich in polyphenols on urate concentration in plasma and urine of human volunteers. XXIV International Conference on Polyphenols, Salamanca, Spain, 8-11 July 2008.
2008
Conference Publication
The health benefits of tropical fruit grown in Queensland, Australia
Fanning, K., Murray, D., Netzel, M. and Stanley, R. (2008). The health benefits of tropical fruit grown in Queensland, Australia. Tropical Fruits in Human Nutrition and Health Conference 2008, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia, 8-11 November 2008.
2008
Conference Publication
Phytochemical compounds in pineapple and their antioxidant activity
Netzel, M., Netzel, G., Pitts, K., Zabaras, D. and Day, L. (2008). Phytochemical compounds in pineapple and their antioxidant activity. FIESTA 2008 Food Innovation: emerging science, technologies and applications: 4th Innovative Foods Centre Conference, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 17-18 September 2008.
2008
Conference Publication
Functional plant materials to structure food and deliver health benefits
Day, L., Oiseth, S., Vu, T., Lundin, L., Netzel, M., Netzel, G., Pitts, K. and Simons, L. (2008). Functional plant materials to structure food and deliver health benefits. FIESTA 2008 Food Innovation: emerging science, technologies and applications: 4th Innovative Foods Centre Conference, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 17-18 September 2008.
2008
Conference Publication
Studies on functional attributes of grape pomace in man
Bitsch, R., Netzel, M., Netzel, G., Meyer, T., Schieber, A., Kammerer, D. R., Carle, R. and Bitsch, I. (2008). Studies on functional attributes of grape pomace in man. Benefits and Risk of Bioactive Plant Compounds COST Action 926 Conference, Kraków, Poland, 27-28 March 2008. Poland: Polskie Towarzystwo Biochemiczne.
2008
Conference Publication
Evaluation of phytochemical compounds in pineapple and their antioxidant activity
Netzel, M., Netzel, G., Pitts, K., Zabaras, D. and Day, L. (2008). Evaluation of phytochemical compounds in pineapple and their antioxidant activity. The joint ASM of the Nutrition Society of Australia and the Nutrition Society of New Zealand 2008, Glenelg, SA, Australia, 30 November - 3 December 2008. Australia: H E C Press.
2008
Conference Publication
The health benefits of tropical fruit grown in Queensland, Australia
Fanning, K., Murray, D., Netzel, M. and Stanley, R. (2008). The health benefits of tropical fruit grown in Queensland, Australia. Tropical Fruits in Human Nutrition and Health Conference 2008, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia, 8-11 November 2008.
2008
Conference Publication
Methods to determine the bioavailability of phytochemicals
Netzel, M. (2008). Methods to determine the bioavailability of phytochemicals. Tropical Fruits in Human Nutrition and Health Conference 2008, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia, 8-11 November 2008.
2008
Conference Publication
Release kinetics and absorption of carotenoids from processed carrots – using an in-vitro digestion procedure coupled with a Caco-2 cell culture model
Netzel, M., Netzel, G., Addepalli, R. and Seymour, R. (2008). Release kinetics and absorption of carotenoids from processed carrots – using an in-vitro digestion procedure coupled with a Caco-2 cell culture model. FIESTA 2008 Food Innovation: emerging science, technologies and applications: 4th Innovative Foods Centre Conference, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 17-18 September 2008.
2008
Conference Publication
Bioavailability of polyphenols: using an in vitro absorption Caco-2 cell model
Addeppalli, R., Netzel, G., Netzel, M. and Seymour, R. (2008). Bioavailability of polyphenols: using an in vitro absorption Caco-2 cell model. FIESTA 2008 Food Innovation: emerging science, technologies and applications: 4th Innovative Foods Centre Conference, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 17-18 September 2008.
2007
Journal Article
Biological antioxidant activity of a beverage containing polyphenols and ascorbic acid
Netzel M, Netzel G, Ott U, Bitsch I, Bitsch R and Frank T (2007). Biological antioxidant activity of a beverage containing polyphenols and ascorbic acid. Ernaehrung/Nutrition, 31 (3), 102-109.
2007
Journal Article
Absorption and excretion of elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) anthocyanins in healthy humans
Frank, T., Janssen, M., Netzel, G., Christian, B., Bitsch, I. and Netzel, M. (2007). Absorption and excretion of elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) anthocyanins in healthy humans. Methods and Findings in Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, 29 (8), 525-533. doi: 10.1358/mf.2007.29.8.1116309
2007
Journal Article
Native Australian fruits - a novel source of antioxidants for food
Netzel, Michael, Netzel, Gabriele, Tian, Qingguo, Schwartz, Steven and Konczak, Izabela (2007). Native Australian fruits - a novel source of antioxidants for food. Innovative Food Science and Emerging Technologies, 8 (3), 339-346. doi: 10.1016/j.ifset.2007.03.007
2007
Journal Article
Cancer cell antiproliferation activity and metabolism of black carrot anthocyanins
Netzel, Michael, Netzel, Gabriele, Kammerer, Dietmar R., Schieber, Andreas, Carle, Reinhold, Simons, Lloyd, Bitsch, Inngard, Bitsch, Roland and Konczak, Lzabela (2007). Cancer cell antiproliferation activity and metabolism of black carrot anthocyanins. Innovative Food Science and Emerging Technologies, 8 (3), 365-372. doi: 10.1016/j.ifset.2007.03.011
Funding
Current funding
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Michael Netzel is:
- Available for supervision
Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.
Supervision history
Current supervision
-
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 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
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
-
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
-
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
-
Doctor Philosophy
Modelling interactive effects of environment and physicochemical properties of Persoonia spp.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Dharini Sivakumar, Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa
-
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
-
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
-
2023
Doctor Philosophy
Australian indigenous edible halophytes - potential sources of functional ingredients
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Olivia Wright, Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa
-
2019
Doctor Philosophy
Exploring the Nutritional Potential of Carica papaya Linn Cultivars
Principal Advisor
-
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
-
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
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: 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: Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa
-
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
-
2020
Doctor Philosophy
Development of a microalgal biorefinery to produce omega-3 fatty acid EPA and other high-value compounds from Nannochloropsis
Associate Advisor
-
2020
Doctor Philosophy
Assessing the safe use of Terminalia ferdinandiana for dietary purposes
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Emerita Professor Mary Fletcher, Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa
-
2019
Doctor Philosophy
IDENTIFICATION AND INDUCED BIOSYNTHESIS OF NATURAL HEALTH COMPOUNDS IN MICROALGAE
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Harendra Parekh, Dr Karnaker Reddy Tupally
-
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: