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
2022
Conference Publication
Alternative options for salt in dietary patterns: underutilised plant species
Srivarathan, S., Phan, A. D. T., Olarte Mantilla, S. M., Wright, O. R. L., Sultanbawa, Y. and Netzel, M. E. (2022). Alternative options for salt in dietary patterns: underutilised plant species. TROPAG, International Agriculture Conference, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 31 October-2 November 2022.
2022
Conference Publication
Acacia seed positively impacted the structural and technological properties of beef emulsions
Adiamo, O., Netzel, M., Hoffman, L., Gidley, M., Osborne, S. and Sultanbawa, Y. (2022). Acacia seed positively impacted the structural and technological properties of beef emulsions. TROPAG, International Agriculture Conference, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 31 October-2 November 2022.
2022
Conference Publication
Quality changes of Burdekin plums during storage
Chen, G., Sultanbawa, Y., Netzel, M., Cozzolino, D. and Olarte Mantilla, S. (2022). Quality changes of Burdekin plums during storage. TROPAG, International Agriculture Conference, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 31 October-2 November 2022.
2022
Conference Publication
Maturity effect on selected quality parameters in wild-harvested Terminalia ferdinandiana (Exell) fruit
Phan, A., Zhang, J., Seididamyeh, M., Srivarathan, S., Netzel, M., Sivakumar, D. and Sultanbawa, Y. (2022). Maturity effect on selected quality parameters in wild-harvested Terminalia ferdinandiana (Exell) fruit. TROPAG, International Agriculture Conference, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 31 October-2 November 2022.
2022
Conference Publication
Strawberry – an overlooked source of natural folate?
Netzel, M., Wright, O., Hong, H. T., Netzel, G., Rychlik, M. and O'Hare, T. (2022). Strawberry – an overlooked source of natural folate?. TROPAG, International Agriculture Conference, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 31 October-2 November 2022.
2022
Conference Publication
Value added food products from wattle seed
Adiamo, O., Netzel, M., Hoffman, L., Gidley, M., Osborne, S. and Sultanbawa, Y. (2022). Value added food products from wattle seed. TROPAG, International Agriculture Conference, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 31 October-2 November 2022.
2022
Conference Publication
In vitro bioaccessibility and intestinal absorption of minerals and phytochemicals from Australian halophytes
Srivarathan, S., Phan, A. D. T., Addepalli, R., Wright, O. R. L., Sultanbawa, Y., Netzel, M. E. and Osborne, S. (2022). In vitro bioaccessibility and intestinal absorption of minerals and phytochemicals from Australian halophytes. TROPAG, International Agriculture Conference, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 31 October-2 November 2022.
2022
Conference Publication
Impact of growing region on the sugar content of Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit
Bobasa, E., Phan, A. D. T., Netzel, M. E. and Sultanbawa, Y. (2022). Impact of growing region on the sugar content of Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit. TROPAG, International Agriculture Conference, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 31 October-2 November 2022.
2022
Conference Publication
Antifungal photodynamic inactivation with curcumin
Seididamyeh, M., Netzel, M., Mereddy, R. and Sultanbawa, Y. (2022). Antifungal photodynamic inactivation with curcumin. TROPAG, International Agriculture Conference, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 31 October-2 November 2022.
2022
Conference Publication
Functional ingredients from Terminalia sp. Kakadu plum as a case study
Phan, A. D. T., Sultanbawa, Y., Akter, S., Bobasa, E. and Netzel, M. (2022). Functional ingredients from Terminalia sp. Kakadu plum as a case study. TROPAG, International Agriculture Conference, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 31 October-2 November 2022.
2022
Conference Publication
Seeking sweetness – a systematic scoping review of factors influencing sugar-sweetened beverage consumption
Cartwright, J., Wright, O., Netzel, M. and Sultanbawa, Y. (2022). Seeking sweetness – a systematic scoping review of factors influencing sugar-sweetened beverage consumption. TROPAG, International Agriculture Conference, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 31 October-2 November 2022.
2022
Book Chapter
Red Bush Apple ( Syzygium suborbiculare )
Netzel, Gabriele, Wright, Olivia, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael E. (2022). Red Bush Apple ( Syzygium suborbiculare ). Handbook of Phytonutrients in Indigenous Fruits and Vegetables. (pp. 228-237) GB: CABI. doi: 10.1079/9781789248067.0015
2022
Book Chapter
Lillypilly/Riberry (Syzygium spp.)
Seididamyeh, Maral, Thi Phan, Anh Dao, Netzel, Michael E. and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2022). Lillypilly/Riberry (Syzygium spp.). Handbook of Phytonutrients in Indigenous Fruits and Vegetables. (pp. 204-218) London, United Kingdom: CABI. doi: 10.1079/9781789248067.0013
2022
Book Chapter
Gumby Gumby (Pittosporum angustifolium)
Thi Phan, Anh Dao, Sivakumar, Dharini, Cozzolino, Daniel, Netzel, Michael E. and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2022). Gumby Gumby (Pittosporum angustifolium). Handbook of Phytonutrients in Indigenous Fruits and Vegetables. (pp. 11-26) London, United Kingdom: CABI. doi: 10.1079/9781789248067.0002
2022
Book Chapter
Saltbush (Atriplex sp.)
Srivarathan, Sukirtha, Thi Phan, Anh Dao, Wright, Olivia, Cozzolino, Daniel, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael E. (2022). Saltbush (Atriplex sp.). Handbook of Phytonutrients in Indigenous Fruits and Vegetables. (pp. 1-10) London, United Kingdom: CABI. doi: 10.1079/9781789248067.0001
2022
Book Chapter
Kakadu Plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana)
Akter, Saleha, Thi Phan, Anh Dao, Netzel, Michael and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2022). Kakadu Plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana). Handbook of Phytonutrients in Indigenous Fruits and Vegetables. (pp. 189-203) London, United Kingdom: CABI. doi: 10.1079/9781789248067.0012
2022
Conference Publication
Seeking Sweetness: A Systematic Scoping Review of Factors Influencing Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Consumption in Remote Indigenous Communities Worldwide
Cartwright, Jessica, Netzel, Michael E., Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Wright, Olivia R. L. (2022). Seeking Sweetness: A Systematic Scoping Review of Factors Influencing Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Consumption in Remote Indigenous Communities Worldwide. School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences Post-Graduate Conference, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia, 28 October 2022.
2022
Conference Publication
What the centre means for Australia: a roundtable of different stakeholder perspectives – Chief Investigator perspective
Netzel, M. (2022). What the centre means for Australia: a roundtable of different stakeholder perspectives – Chief Investigator perspective. ARC Training Centre for Uniquely Australian Foods, 2022 Annual Workshop, Long Pocket, QLD Australia, 27 October 2022.
2022
Conference Publication
Seeking Sweetness: A Systematic Scoping Review of Factors Influencing Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Consumption in Remote Indigenous Communities Worldwide
Cartwright, Jessica, Netzel, Michael E., Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Wright, Olivia R. L. (2022). Seeking Sweetness: A Systematic Scoping Review of Factors Influencing Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Consumption in Remote Indigenous Communities Worldwide. Uniquely Australian Foods Annual Workshop, Long Pocket, QLD, Australia, 27 October 2022.
2022
Conference Publication
Does storage affect the in vitro bioaccessibility of anthocyanins in 'Rubycot' plumcot?
Kodagoda, Gethmini , Hong, Hung T. , Addepalli, Rama , Topp, Bruce , Sultanbawa, Yasmina , O'Hare, Tim J. , Netzel, Michael E. and Osborne, Simone (2022). Does storage affect the in vitro bioaccessibility of anthocyanins in 'Rubycot' plumcot?. TropAg International Agriculture Conference, Brisbane, Australia, 31 October - 2 November 2022.
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
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
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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
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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
-
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
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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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