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
2025
Conference Publication
Replacing diary milk with plant based dairy milk alternatives? How it will change your morning smoothie
Rathnayake, Anuruddhika Udayangani, Netzel, Michael, Sultanbawa, Yasmina, Wright, Olivia and Smyth, Heather (2025). Replacing diary milk with plant based dairy milk alternatives? How it will change your morning smoothie. Crop to Kitchen, Queensland Health Coronial and Public Health Sciences, Coopers Plains, QLD, Australia, 24 June 2025.
2025
Conference Publication
Halophytes: a nutritious alternative to salt?
Netzel, Michael, Srivarathan, Sukirtha, Phan, Anh DaoThi, Wright, Olivia and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2025). Halophytes: a nutritious alternative to salt?. Crop to Kitchen, Queensland Health Coronial and Public Health Sciences, Coopers Plains, QLD, Australia, 24 June 2025.
2025
Conference Publication
Queen Garnet Plum – Research Opportunities
Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael (2025). Queen Garnet Plum – Research Opportunities. Industry meeting (Nutrafruit), Long Pocket Campus, Indooroopilly, QLD, Australia, 6 June 2025.
2025
Journal Article
Sensory profiling of Burdekin plum leathers and consumer acceptability of its combination with trail mix
Chen, Gengning, Olarte Mantilla, Sandra Milena, Netzel, Michael E., Cozzolino, Daniel and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2025). Sensory profiling of Burdekin plum leathers and consumer acceptability of its combination with trail mix. Food Science and Nutrition, 13 (5) e70277, 1-15. doi: 10.1002/fsn3.70277
2025
Conference Publication
Alternative Smoothies – ‘Plants’ vs. ‘Dairy’
Rathnayaka Mudiyanselage, Anuruddhika, Netzel, Michael E., Smyth, Heather, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Wright, Olivia (2025). Alternative Smoothies – ‘Plants’ vs. ‘Dairy’. QAAFI 2025 Research Meeting, Herston, QLD Australia, 19 March 2025.
2025
Journal Article
A modified extraction and saponification method for the determination of carotenoids in the fruit of Capsicum annuum
Hong, Hung Trieu, Agarwal, Rimjhim, Takagi, Tatsuyoshi, Netzel, Michael E., Harper, Stephen M. and O'Hare, Tim J. (2025). A modified extraction and saponification method for the determination of carotenoids in the fruit of Capsicum annuum. Agriculture, 15 (6) 646, 646-6. doi: 10.3390/agriculture15060646
2025
Conference Publication
Alternative Smoothies – the “Plants” vs. the “Dairy’s”
Rathnayaka Mudiyanselage, Anuruddhika, Wright, Olivia, Sultanbawa, Yasmina, Smyth, Heather E. and Netzel, Michael E. (2025). Alternative Smoothies – the “Plants” vs. the “Dairy’s”. 19th NZOZ Sensory and Consumer Science Symposium, Papaioea Palmerston North, Aotearoa New Zealand, 19-21 February 2025.
2025
Journal Article
Phytochemicals, organic acid, and vitamins in red rhapsody strawberry—Content and storage stability
Hong, Hung Trieu, Rami, Julius, Rychlik, Michael, O’Hare, Tim J. and Netzel, Michael E. (2025). Phytochemicals, organic acid, and vitamins in red rhapsody strawberry—Content and storage stability. Foods, 14 (3) 379, 1-12. doi: 10.3390/foods14030379
2025
Journal Article
A hedonic sensory trial: exploring the relationship between sweet‐liker status, demographics, and health measures on acceptability in a beverage system
Cartwright, Jessica, Smyth, Heather E., Netzel, Michael E., Sultanbawa, Yasmina F. and Wright, Olivia R. L. (2025). A hedonic sensory trial: exploring the relationship between sweet‐liker status, demographics, and health measures on acceptability in a beverage system. Journal of Sensory Studies, 40 (1) e70008, 1-15. doi: 10.1111/joss.70008
2025
Conference Publication
Exploring the nutritional quality and food functionality of saltbush
Sun, Yanlin, Sultanbawa, Yasmina, Sivakumar, Dharini and Netzel, Michael (2025). Exploring the nutritional quality and food functionality of saltbush. TropAg 2025, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 11-13 November 2025.
2025
Conference Publication
The impact of Ajwa date fruit consumption on metabolic profiles, antioxidant capacity, and gut microbiota using an in vitro digestion model
Madani, Khalil, Phan, Anh, Netzel, Michael, Nguyen, Loan and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2025). The impact of Ajwa date fruit consumption on metabolic profiles, antioxidant capacity, and gut microbiota using an in vitro digestion model. TropAg 2025, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 11-13 November 2025.
2025
Conference Publication
Effect of processing on bioactive properties, sugar composition, and vitamin C of wild Australian yams (Dioscorea spp.)
Fawale, Olumide, Netzel, Michael, Akinsanmi, Olufemi, Marrie, Henrietta and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2025). Effect of processing on bioactive properties, sugar composition, and vitamin C of wild Australian yams (Dioscorea spp.). TropAg 2025, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 11-13 November 2025.
2025
Conference Publication
"Alternative” smoothies: plant-based dairy milk alternatives vs. dairy milk
Rathnayake, Anuruddhika, Wright, Olivia, Sultanbawa, Yasmina, Smyth, Heather and Netzel, Michael (2025). "Alternative” smoothies: plant-based dairy milk alternatives vs. dairy milk. TropAg 2025, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 11-13 November 2025.
2025
Conference Publication
Anthocyanins – colourful plant pigments and potent bioactives
Netzel, Michael, Wright, Olivia, Sivakumar, Dharini and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2025). Anthocyanins – colourful plant pigments and potent bioactives. TropAg 2025, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 11-13 November 2025.
2025
Conference Publication
Citrus inodora: an underexplored native citrus species with nutritional promise
Johnson, Joel, Hungerford, Natasha, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael (2025). Citrus inodora: an underexplored native citrus species with nutritional promise. NextGen Ag Symposium 2025, St Lucia, QLD Australia, 7 November 2025.
2025
Conference Publication
Exploring the chemistry of native Australian Citrus fruits
Johnson, Joel B., Hungerford, Natasha L., Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael E. (2025). Exploring the chemistry of native Australian Citrus fruits. 10th Queensland Annual Chemistry Symposium (QACS) 2025, St Lucia, QLD, Australia, 28 November 2025.
2025
Journal Article
Climate-smart halophyte: the role of atriplex in future food security
Sun, Yanlin, Netzel, Michael E., Sivakumar, Dharini and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2025). Climate-smart halophyte: the role of atriplex in future food security. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 156 104869, 104869. doi: 10.1016/j.tifs.2025.104869
2025
Journal Article
Unlocking the Nutritional Potential of Australian Yam (Dioscorea spp.)
Fawale, Samson Olumide, Netzel, Michael E., Nguyen, Ai, Akinsanmi, Olufemi A., Marrie, Henrietta and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2025). Unlocking the Nutritional Potential of Australian Yam (Dioscorea spp.). Food Bioscience, 63 105612, 105612. doi: 10.1016/j.fbio.2024.105612
2025
Journal Article
Physicochemical characteristics and functionality of Burdekin plum during fruit maturation
Chen, Gengning, Netzel, Michael E., Cozzolino, Daniel and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2025). Physicochemical characteristics and functionality of Burdekin plum during fruit maturation. Journal of Food Biochemistry, 2025 (1) 8811862. doi: 10.1155/jfbc/8811862
2024
Journal Article
Effect of gum Arabic on antifungal photodynamic activity of curcumin against Botrytis cinerea spores
Seididamyeh, Maral, Netzel, Michael E., Mereddy, Ram, Harmer, Jeffrey R. and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2024). Effect of gum Arabic on antifungal photodynamic activity of curcumin against Botrytis cinerea spores. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 283 (1) 137019, 1-12. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.137019
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
-
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, Dr Oladipupo Adiamo
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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
-
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: Dr Loan Nguyen, Dr Anh Phan, 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 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, Dr Anh Phan
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
Exploring the Nutritional Potential of Carica papaya Linn Cultivars
Principal Advisor
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2026
Doctor Philosophy
Quality, phytochemicals, bioactivities, and gut microbiome modulation of different Geebung (Persoonia spp.)
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Anh Phan, Dr Dharini Sivakumar, Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa
-
2025
Doctor Philosophy
Exploring the nutritional quality and food functionality of Burdekin plum (Pleiogynium timoriense)
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Daniel Cozzolino, Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa
-
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
-
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
Nutritional and Functional Quality of Flour and Proteins from Australian Acacia seed
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Mike Gidley, Professor Louw Hoffman, 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
-
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: Dr Anh Phan, 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: Dr Gabi Netzel, Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa
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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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2020
Doctor Philosophy
Development of a microalgal biorefinery to produce omega-3 fatty acid EPA and other high-value compounds from Nannochloropsis
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Gabi Netzel
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
IDENTIFICATION AND INDUCED BIOSYNTHESIS OF NATURAL HEALTH COMPOUNDS IN MICROALGAE
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Harendra Parekh
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2015
Doctor Philosophy
Induction of carotenoid and phytosterol accumulation in microalgae
Associate Advisor
Media
Enquiries
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