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
2024
Conference Publication
Halophytes – “Salt-Loving” and Healthy"
Srivarathan, Sukirtha, Phan, Anh DaoThi, Wright, Olivia, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael (2024). Halophytes – “Salt-Loving” and Healthy". AIFST24 Convention, Sydney, NSW, Australia, 6-7 August 2024.
2024
Conference Publication
Halophytes – Salt-Loving and Healthy
Srivarathan, Sukirtha, Phan, Anh Dao Thi, Wright, Olivia, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael (2024). Halophytes – Salt-Loving and Healthy. AIFST24 Convention, Sydney, NSW, Australia, 6-7 August 2024.
2024
Conference Publication
Analysis of polyphenolic composition of Persoonia linearis fruits using untargeted metabolomics
Zhang, Jiale, Sivakumaran, Dharini, Netzel, Michael E., Phan, Anh Dao Thi, Pengelly, Andrew and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2024). Analysis of polyphenolic composition of Persoonia linearis fruits using untargeted metabolomics. 8th International Symposium on Phytochemicals in Medicine and Food (8-ISPMF), Shenyang, China, 2-6 August 2024.
2024
Conference Publication
Nutritional and commercial potential of Australian Indigenous edible halophytes
Srivarathan, Sukirtha, Wright, Olivia, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael (2024). Nutritional and commercial potential of Australian Indigenous edible halophytes. CQU Native Foods Workshop: Unveiling Commercial Opportunities, Rockhampton, QLD, Australia, 25 June 2024.
2024
Conference Publication
Native Australian citrus: the sweet and the sour
Johnson, Joel B., Hungerford, Natasha, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael (2024). Native Australian citrus: the sweet and the sour. Native Foods Workshop: Unveiling Commercial Opportunities, Rockhampton, QLD Australia, 25 June 2024.
2024
Conference Publication
The dietary potential of “salt-loving” Australian Indigenous edible halophytes
Srivarathan, Sukirtha, Wright, Olivia, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael (2024). The dietary potential of “salt-loving” Australian Indigenous edible halophytes. Agtech Innovation Seminar for Protected Cropping, UQ Gatton Campus, QLD, Australia, 29 May 2024.
2024
Conference Publication
Exploring the nutritional potential of halophytes
Srivarathan, Sukirtha, Wright, Olivia R. L., Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael E. (2024). Exploring the nutritional potential of halophytes. QAAFI/AGFS/DAF Food Science Seminar, UQ Long Pocket Campus, Indooroopilly, QLD, Australia, 14 May 2024.
2024
Journal Article
Gum Arabic edible coating embedded aqueous plant extracts: Interactive effects of partaking components and its effectiveness on cold storage of fresh-cut capsicum
Seididamyeh, Maral, Olarte Mantilla, Sandra Milena, Netzel, Michael E., Mereddy, Ram and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2024). Gum Arabic edible coating embedded aqueous plant extracts: Interactive effects of partaking components and its effectiveness on cold storage of fresh-cut capsicum. Food Control, 159 110267. doi: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2023.110267
2024
Journal Article
Assessing the potential of Australian indigenous edible halophytes as salt substitutes: from wild to plate
Srivarathan, Sukirtha, Olarte Mantilla, Sandra Milena, Phan, Anh Dao Thi, Wright, Olivia R. L., Netzel, Michael E. and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2024). Assessing the potential of Australian indigenous edible halophytes as salt substitutes: from wild to plate. Journal of Food Science, 89 (5), 2991-3005. doi: 10.1111/1750-3841.17034
2024
Conference Publication
Minerals and trace elements in broad-leaved Geebung (Persoonia stradbrokensis), an underutilised native Australian fruit
Zhang, J., Sivakumar, D., Netzel, M.E. and Sultanbawa, Y. (2024). Minerals and trace elements in broad-leaved Geebung (Persoonia stradbrokensis), an underutilised native Australian fruit. 57th Nutrition Society of New Zealand and 47th Nutrition Society of Australia Joint Annual Scientific Meeting, Auckland, New Zealand, 28 November – 1 December 2023. Cambridge, United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press. doi: 10.1017/s0029665124000740
2024
Journal Article
Physicochemical, antioxidant and microbial stability of Burdekin plum leathers
Chen, Gengning, Olarte Mantilla, Sandra Milena, Netzel, Michael E., Cozzolino, Daniel, Sivakumar, Dharini and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2024). Physicochemical, antioxidant and microbial stability of Burdekin plum leathers. International Journal of Food Science and Technology, 59 (4), 2716-2726. doi: 10.1111/ijfs.17023
2024
Conference Publication
Exploring the chemistry and nutritional properties of native Australian citrus
Johnson, Joel B., Hungerford, Natasha L., Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael E. (2024). Exploring the chemistry and nutritional properties of native Australian citrus. Australian Citrus Congress, Sunshine Coast, QLD Australia, 6-7 March 2024.
2024
Conference Publication
Burdekin plum fruit leather processing and storage
Chen, Gengning, Sultanbawa, Yasmina, Netzel, Michael, Cozzolino, Daniel, Olarte Mantilla, Sandra and Sivakumar, Dharini (2024). Burdekin plum fruit leather processing and storage. Joint virtual workshop between the Centre for Nutrition and Food Sciences (CNAFS), Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), The University of Queensland, Australia and the Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa, Promoting Health and Food Security with Indigenous Crops, Virtual, 5-6 March 2024.
2024
Conference Publication
Nutritional, Antinutritional and Antioxidant properties of Australian Indigenous Yams (Dioscorea spp.)
Fawale, Samson Olumide, Netzel, Michael E., Akinsanmi, Olufemi A. and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2024). Nutritional, Antinutritional and Antioxidant properties of Australian Indigenous Yams (Dioscorea spp.). Joint virtual workshop between the Centre for Nutrition and Food Sciences (CNAFS), Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), The University of Queensland, Australia and the Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa, Promoting Health and Food Security with Indigenous Crops, Online, 5-6 March 2024.
2024
Journal Article
Exploring the potential of Davidson's plum (Davidsonia pruriens): A promising indigenous edible fruit as biopreservative in raw processed meat products
Beya, Michel M., Netzel, Michael E., Sultanbawa, Yasmina, Smyth, Heather E. and Hoffman, Louwrens C. (2024). Exploring the potential of Davidson's plum (Davidsonia pruriens): A promising indigenous edible fruit as biopreservative in raw processed meat products. LWT- Food Science and Technology, 194 115827, 115827. doi: 10.1016/j.lwt.2024.115827
2024
Conference Publication
Exploring the Nutritional Quality and Food Functionality of Saltbush – an Australian Indigenous Edible Halophyte
Sun, Yanlin, Netzel, Michael E., Sivakumaran, Dharini and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2024). Exploring the Nutritional Quality and Food Functionality of Saltbush – an Australian Indigenous Edible Halophyte. 9th Queensland Annual Chemistry Symposium 2024 (QACS 2024), Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 29 November 2024.
2024
Journal Article
Phytochemical composition and biological activity of native Australian ginger (Alpinia caerulea)
Johnson, Joel B., Batley, Ryan J., Mani, Janice S., du Preez, Ryan, Trotter, Tieneke, Netzel, Michael E. and Naiker, Mani (2024). Phytochemical composition and biological activity of native Australian ginger (Alpinia caerulea). Journal of Food Measurement and Characterization, 18 (3), 2372-2384. doi: 10.1007/s11694-023-02326-4
2024
Conference Publication
Seeking sweetness: a systematic scoping review of factors influencing sugar-sweetened beverage consumption in remote Indigenous communities worldwide
Cartwright, Jessica, Netzel, Michael, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Wright, Olivia (2024). Seeking sweetness: a systematic scoping review of factors influencing sugar-sweetened beverage consumption in remote Indigenous communities worldwide. Dietitians Australia 2024 Conference, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 18-20 August 2024.
2024
Conference Publication
Phenolic composition, antimicrobial activity and antioxidant capacity of Burdekin plum during maturation
Chen, Gengning, Netzel, Michael E., Cozzolino, Daniel, Sivakumaran, Dharini and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2024). Phenolic composition, antimicrobial activity and antioxidant capacity of Burdekin plum during maturation. Postharvest 2024, Fruit and Vegetable Health, Rotorua, New Zealand, 11-15 November 2024.
2024
Conference Publication
Bioactive properties of Australian native Persoonia spp.
Zhang, Jiale, Phan, Anh Dao Thi, Netzel, Michael E., Pengelly, Andrew, Sivakumaran, Dharini and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2024). Bioactive properties of Australian native Persoonia spp.. Joint virtual workshop between the Centre for Nutrition and Food Sciences (CNAFS), Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), The University of Queensland, Australia and the Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa, Promoting Health and Food Security with Indigenous Crops, Online, 5-6 March 2024.
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
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
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
-
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
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
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
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 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: