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
Journal Article
Influence of blanching on the bioactive compounds of Terminalia ferdinandiana Exell fruit during storage
Bobasa, Eshetu M., Srivarathan, Sukirtha, Phan, Anh Dao Thi, Netzel, Michael E., Cozzolino, Daniel and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2022). Influence of blanching on the bioactive compounds of Terminalia ferdinandiana Exell fruit during storage. Journal of Food Measurement and Characterization, 17 (1), 1-9. doi: 10.1007/s11694-022-01581-1
2022
Conference Publication
What DO examiners want – perspective of an examiner and Chair
Netzel, M. (2022). What DO examiners want – perspective of an examiner and Chair. UQ Graduate School Workshop, St. Lucia, QLD Australia, 12 September 2022.
2022
Conference Publication
Aquaculture – microalgae
Netzel, M. (2022). Aquaculture – microalgae. QAAFI THEME: Healthy Agriculture and Food for Healthy Communities, Innovative Science for Emerging Foods Workshop, St Lucia, QLD Australia, 25 August 2022.
2022
Conference Publication
Impact of storage temperature on bioactive compound concentrations in strawberries
Hong, H. T., Rami, J., Rychlik, M., O'Hare, T. and Netzel, M. (2022). Impact of storage temperature on bioactive compound concentrations in strawberries. IX International symposium on human health effects of fruits and vegetables - FAVHEALTH2022, Angers, France, 19 August 2022.
2022
Book Chapter
Effect of photosensitization mediated by curcumin on carotenoid and aflatoxin content in different maize varieties
Nguenha, Rafael, Seidi Damyeh, Maral, Phan, Anh D. T., Hong, Hung T., Chaliha, Mridusmita, O’Hare, Tim J., Netzel, Michael E. and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2022). Effect of photosensitization mediated by curcumin on carotenoid and aflatoxin content in different maize varieties. Antimicrobial substances in plants: discovery of new compounds, properties, food and agriculture applications, and sustainable recovery. (pp. 47-65) edited by Daniela Gwiazdowska, Krzysztof Ju´s and Katarzyna Marchwi´ nska. Basel, Switzerland: MDPI. doi: 10.3390/books978-3-0365-4426-7
2022
Conference Publication
Australian Indigenous edible halophytes
Srivarathan, S., Phan, A. D. T., Wright, O., Sultanbawa, Y. and Netzel, M. E. (2022). Australian Indigenous edible halophytes. Visit and Workshop with Twin Lakes Cultural Park, Broome, WA Australia, 30 July 2022.
2022
Journal Article
Hydrolysable tannins, physicochemical properties, and antioxidant property of wild-harvested Terminalia ferdinandiana (exell) fruit at different maturity stages
Phan, Anh Dao Thi, Zhang, Jiale, Seididamyeh, Maral, Srivarathan, Sukirtha, Netzel, Michael E., Sivakumar, Dharini and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2022). Hydrolysable tannins, physicochemical properties, and antioxidant property of wild-harvested Terminalia ferdinandiana (exell) fruit at different maturity stages. Frontiers in Nutrition, 9 961679, 961679. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2022.961679
2022
Journal Article
Curcumin-based photosensitization, a green treatment in inactivating Aspergillus flavus spores in peanuts
Mukubesa, Nalukui, Nguenha, Rafael, Hong, Hung T., Seididamyeh, Maral, Netzel, Michael E. and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2022). Curcumin-based photosensitization, a green treatment in inactivating Aspergillus flavus spores in peanuts. Foods, 11 (3) 354, 354. doi: 10.3390/foods11030354
2022
Journal Article
In vitro bioaccessibility and intestinal absorption of selected bioactive compounds in Terminalia ferdinandiana
Akter, Saleha, Addepalli, Rama, Netzel, Michael, Tinggi, Ujang, Fletcher, Mary, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Osborne, Simone (2022). In vitro bioaccessibility and intestinal absorption of selected bioactive compounds in Terminalia ferdinandiana. Frontiers in Nutrition, 8 818195, 818195. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2021.818195
2022
Journal Article
Food and nutrition security: underutilized plant and animal-based foods
Wright, Olivia R. L., Sivakumar, Dharini, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael E. (2022). Food and nutrition security: underutilized plant and animal-based foods. Frontiers in Nutrition, 8 821388, 821388. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2021.821388
2022
Book
Food and nutrition security: underutilized plant and animal-based foods
Yasmina Sultanbawa, Michael Erich Netzel , Dharini Sivakumar and Olivia Renee Louise Wright eds. (2022). Food and nutrition security: underutilized plant and animal-based foods. Frontiers Research Topics, Lausanne, Switzerland: Frontiers Research Foundation. doi: 10.3389/978-2-88974-532-6
2021
Journal Article
The effect of maturity and season on health‐related bioactive compounds in wild harvested fruit of Terminalia ferdinandiana (Exell)
Phan, Anh Dao Thi, Damyeh, Maral Seidi, Chaliha, Mridusmita, Akter, Saleha, Fyfe, Selina, Netzel, Michael E., Cozzolino, Daniel and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2021). The effect of maturity and season on health‐related bioactive compounds in wild harvested fruit of Terminalia ferdinandiana (Exell). International Journal of Food Science and Technology, 56 (12), 6431-6442. doi: 10.1111/ijfs.15350
2021
Journal Article
Anti-Yeast Synergistic Effects and Mode of Action of Australian Native Plant Essential Oils
Alderees, Fahad, Mereddy, Ram, Were, Stephen, Netzel, Michael E. and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2021). Anti-Yeast Synergistic Effects and Mode of Action of Australian Native Plant Essential Oils. Applied Sciences, 11 (22) 10670, 1-17. doi: 10.3390/app112210670
2021
Conference Publication
STEAM into STEM – The Science of Uniquely Australian Foods
Netzel, Michael E. (2021). STEAM into STEM – The Science of Uniquely Australian Foods. Educational visit at Birkdale South State School, Steam into STEM week, Birkdale, QLD, Australia, 21 October 2021.
2021
Conference Publication
Effect of photosensitization on the folate content in commercial strawberry cultivars
Sarwar, Shammy, Netzel, Gabriele, Netzel, Michael E., Mereddy, Ram and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2021). Effect of photosensitization on the folate content in commercial strawberry cultivars. AIFST21 Convention, Online, 11-21 October 2021.
2021
Conference Publication
Effect of photosensitization on the folate content in commercial strawberry cultivars
Sarwar, Shammy, Netzel, Gabriele, Netzel, Michael E., Mereddy, Ram and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2021). Effect of photosensitization on the folate content in commercial strawberry cultivars. AIFST Convention 2021, Virtual Conference, 11,12,19 &21 October 2021.
2021
Journal Article
Hydrolysable tannins in Terminalia ferdinandiana Exell fruit powder and comparison of their functional properties from different solvent extracts
Bobasa, Eshetu M., Phan, Anh Dao Thi, Netzel, Michael E., Cozzolino, Daniel and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2021). Hydrolysable tannins in Terminalia ferdinandiana Exell fruit powder and comparison of their functional properties from different solvent extracts. Food Chemistry, 358 129833, 129833. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2021.129833
2021
Journal Article
Effects of drying methods and maltodextrin on vitamin C and quality of Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit powder, an emerging Australian functional food ingredient
Phan, Anh Dao Thi, Adiamo, Oladipupo, Akter, Saleha, Netzel, Michael E., Cozzolino, Daniel and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2021). Effects of drying methods and maltodextrin on vitamin C and quality of Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit powder, an emerging Australian functional food ingredient. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 101 (12), 5132-5141. doi: 10.1002/jsfa.11159
2021
Journal Article
Nutritional, anti‐nutritional, antioxidant, physicochemical and functional characterization of Australian Acacia seed: effect of species and regions
Adiamo, Oladipupo Q., Netzel, Michael E., Hoffman, Louwrens C., Gidley, Michael J. and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2021). Nutritional, anti‐nutritional, antioxidant, physicochemical and functional characterization of Australian Acacia seed: effect of species and regions. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 101 (11), 4681-4690. doi: 10.1002/jsfa.11113
2021
Conference Publication
Nutritional and functional characterization of Australian Acacia species from different regions
Adiamo, Oladipupo Q., Netzel, Michael E., Hoffman, Louwrens C., Gidley, Michael J. and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2021). Nutritional and functional characterization of Australian Acacia species from different regions. Joint virtual Workshop between The ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Uniquely Australian Foods (ARC ITTC UAF), Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia and The SARChI Research Programme in Phytochemical Food Network to Improve the Nutritional Quality for Consumers, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa, Virtual, 24-25 August 2021.
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
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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: 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
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Doctor Philosophy
Modelling interactive effects of environment and physicochemical properties of Persoonia spp.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Dharini Sivakumar, Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa
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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
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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
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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
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
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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 photosensitization on the nutrient profile and bioaccessibility of bioactive compounds in Australian grown strawberries
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa
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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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