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
2000
Conference Publication
Antioxidative Kapazität und Stabilitaet bioaktiver Inhaltsstoffe in Fruchtsaeften waehrend einer 3 woechigen Lagerung. In: Funktionelle Inhaltsstoffe pflanzlicher Lebensmittel
Netzel, M., Herbst, M., Carle, E., Kesenheimer, B., Strass, G., Bitsch, I. and Bitsch, R. (2000). Antioxidative Kapazität und Stabilitaet bioaktiver Inhaltsstoffe in Fruchtsaeften waehrend einer 3 woechigen Lagerung. In: Funktionelle Inhaltsstoffe pflanzlicher Lebensmittel. XXXV. Vortragstagung der Deutsche Gesellschaft für Qualitätsforschung (Pflanzliche Nahrungsmittel) DGQ e.V., Karlsruhe, Germany, 20-21 March 2000. Muenchen, Germany: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Qualitätsforschung (Pflanzliche Nahrungsmittel) DGQ e.V..
2000
Conference Publication
Vergleichende Pruefung der Bioverfuegbarkeit beim Kueken: Thiaminmononitrat, Thiaminhydrochlorid und Benfotiamn
Geyer, J., Netzel, M., Bitsch, I., Frank, T., Bitsch, R., Hoppe, P. P. and Kraemer, K. (2000). Vergleichende Pruefung der Bioverfuegbarkeit beim Kueken: Thiaminmononitrat, Thiaminhydrochlorid und Benfotiamn. 37. Wissenschaftliche Kongress der DGE, Bonn, Germany, 17-18 March 2000.
2000
Conference Publication
Untersuchungen zur Bioverfuegbarkeit von Anthocyanen aus schwarzem Johannisbeersaft
Netzel, M., Strass, G., Janssen, M., Bitsch, I., Boehm, V. and Bitsch, R. (2000). Untersuchungen zur Bioverfuegbarkeit von Anthocyanen aus schwarzem Johannisbeersaft. Deutscher Lebensmittelchemikertag 1999, Hamburg, Germany, 13-15 September 1999. Wiley.
2000
Conference Publication
Increased plasmatic antioxidant capacity in humans after ingestion of blackcurrant and elderberry juice
Janssen, M., Netzel, M., Strass, G., Kesenheimer, B., Herbst, M., Carle, E., Bitsch, I., Boehm ,V. and Bitsch, R. (2000). Increased plasmatic antioxidant capacity in humans after ingestion of blackcurrant and elderberry juice. 20th International Conference on Polyphenols, Munich, Germany, 11-15 September 2000. Munich, Germany: Technical University Munich.
2000
Conference Publication
The antioxidant activity of apple juices: apple variety and processing effects
Bitsch, I., Harwat, M., Netzel, M., Boehm, V., Rechner, A., Dietrich, H. and Bitsch, R. (2000). The antioxidant activity of apple juices: apple variety and processing effects. Nutritionists meet Food Scientists and Technologists, Porto, Portugal, 12-14 April 2000.
2000
Conference Publication
In vivo effect of an antioxidant juice
Netzel, M., Strass, G., Bitsch, I., Rechner, A., Dietrich, H. and Bitsch, R. (2000). In vivo effect of an antioxidant juice. 5th Karlsruhe Nutrition Symposium, Karlsruhe, Germany, 22-24 October 2000.
2000
Conference Publication
Hochwertige Fruchtsaefte aus traditionellen Obstsorten und ihre Bedeutung für die Gesundheit des Menschen
Bitsch, I. and Netzel, M. (2000). Hochwertige Fruchtsaefte aus traditionellen Obstsorten und ihre Bedeutung für die Gesundheit des Menschen. 1. Hochschultagung des Fachbereichs Agrarwissenschaften, Oekotrophologie und Umweltmanagement der Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen, Giessen, Germany, 30 June 2000. Giessen, Germany: Fachverlag Koehler Giessen, Germany.
2000
Book Chapter
Bioavailability of blackcurrant anthocyanins in humans
Netzel, M., Strass, G., Janssen, M., Bitsch, I. and Bitsch, R. (2000). Bioavailability of blackcurrant anthocyanins in humans. Dietary Anticarcinogens and Antimutagens. (pp. 76-79) Norwich, England: Elsevier. doi: 10.1533/9781845698188.2.76
2000
Conference Publication
Bestimmung bioaktiver Substanzen im menschlichen Urin nach Genuss von naturtrueben Apfelsaeften
Netzel, M., Herbst, M., Strass, G., Kesenheimer, B., Bitsch, I. and Bitsch, R. (2000). Bestimmung bioaktiver Substanzen im menschlichen Urin nach Genuss von naturtrueben Apfelsaeften. 37. Wissenschaftliche Kongress der DGE, Bonn, Germany, 17-18 March 2000.
2000
Conference Publication
Schwarzer Johannisbeersaft = Functional Food?
Netzel, M., Strass, G., Carle, E., Kesenheimer, B., Janssen, M., Bitsch, I., Rechner, A., Dietrich, H., Boehm, V. and Bitsch, R. (2000). Schwarzer Johannisbeersaft = Functional Food?. Arbeitstagung des Regionalverbandes Suedwest der Lebensmittelchemischen Gesellschaft, Karlsruhe, Germany, 03-04 April 2000. Wiley.
1999
Journal Article
Antioxidative Wirkung von naturtrueben Apfelsaeften: Einfluß der Apfelsorte und des Polyphenolgehaltes
Rechner, A., Dietrich, H., Patz, C. D., Netzel, M., Boehm, V., Bitsch, R. and Bitsch, I. (1999). Antioxidative Wirkung von naturtrueben Apfelsaeften: Einfluß der Apfelsorte und des Polyphenolgehaltes. Fluessiges Obst, 66 (5), 227-230.
1999
Conference Publication
Simple and rapid determination of anthocyanins in urine and faeces of wistar rats
Netzel, M., Strass, G., Bitsch, I. and Bitsch, R. (1999). Simple and rapid determination of anthocyanins in urine and faeces of wistar rats. 7th Symposium of the Friedrich-Schiller-University on Vitamins and Additives in Human and Animal Nutrition, Jena Thuringen, Germany, 22-23 September 1999. Friedrich-Schiller Universitat.
1999
Conference Publication
HPLC-Methode zur Bestimmung von Delphinidin, Cyanidin und deren Glykosiden im Plasma und Urin des Menschen
Janssen, M., Netzel, M., Bitsch, I. and Bitsch, R. (1999). HPLC-Methode zur Bestimmung von Delphinidin, Cyanidin und deren Glykosiden im Plasma und Urin des Menschen. 36. Wissenschaftliche Kongress der DGE, Stuttgart-Hohenheim, Germany, 18-19 March 1999.
1999
Conference Publication
Die relative Bioverfuegbarkeit von L-Ascorbinsaeure aus Fruchtsaeften
Netzel M, Ziems M, Ruf T and Bitsch I (1999). Die relative Bioverfuegbarkeit von L-Ascorbinsaeure aus Fruchtsaeften. Deutscher Lebensmittelchemikertag 1998, Munich, Germany, 13-15 September 1998.
1999
Conference Publication
Veraenderung des Polyphenolgehaltes und der antioxidativen Kapazitaet von Fruchtsaeften waehrend der Herstellung
Rechner A, Patz CD, Dietrich H, Netzel M, Boehm V, Bitsch I and Bitsch R (1999). Veraenderung des Polyphenolgehaltes und der antioxidativen Kapazitaet von Fruchtsaeften waehrend der Herstellung. 36. Wissenschaftliche Kongress der DGE, Stuttgart-Hohenheim, Germany, 18-19 March 1999.
1999
Conference Publication
Untersuchungen zur Biokinetik des Ethanols nach Applikation von Wein, Bier und Wodka
Ziems M, Netzel M, Hoepfner C and Bitsch I (1999). Untersuchungen zur Biokinetik des Ethanols nach Applikation von Wein, Bier und Wodka. Deutscher Lebensmittelchemikertag 1998, Munich, Germany, 13-15 September 1998.
1999
Conference Publication
Comparative effect of different thiamine derivatives in experimental diabetic neuropathy
Geyer, J., Netzel, M., Bitsch, I., Stracke, H., Hammes, H. P., Werkmann, D., Mavrakis, K. and Federlin, K. F. (1999). Comparative effect of different thiamine derivatives in experimental diabetic neuropathy. 7. Symposium, Vitamine und Zusatzstoffe in der Ernährung von Mensch und Tier, Jena, Germany, 22-23 September 1999. Gera, Germany: Gebrüder Frank KG Gera.
1999
Conference Publication
Untersuchungen zur Bioverfuegbarkeit von antioxidativ wirksamen Anthocyanen aus Holunder- und schwarzen Johannisbeeren
Netzel M, Strass G, Janssen M, Herbst M and Bitsch I (1999). Untersuchungen zur Bioverfuegbarkeit von antioxidativ wirksamen Anthocyanen aus Holunder- und schwarzen Johannisbeeren. Werkstattbericht der Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen 1999, Giessen, Germany, 09 March 1999. Giessen, Germany:
1999
Conference Publication
Urinexkretion von Gallussaeure und 4-O-Methyl-Gallussaeure beim Menschen nach Genuß von Schwarzem Tee
Borsch, C., Shahrzad, S., Winter, A., Netzel, M. and Bitsch, I. (1999). Urinexkretion von Gallussaeure und 4-O-Methyl-Gallussaeure beim Menschen nach Genuß von Schwarzem Tee. 36. Wissenschaftliche Kongress der DGE, Stuttgart-Hohenheim, Germany, 18-19 March 1999.
1999
Conference Publication
Effect of apple juice intake on antioxidative status in humans
Netzel, M., Carle, E., Kesenheimer, B., Strass, G., Bitsch, I. and Bitsch, R. (1999). Effect of apple juice intake on antioxidative status in humans. 4th Karlsruhe Nutrition Symposium 1999, Karlsruhe, Germany, 10-12 October 1999.
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
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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 Heather Smyth, 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
-
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
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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
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
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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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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
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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: Dr Anh Phan, Associate Professor Daniel Cozzolino, 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: 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
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