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
2023
Conference Publication
Kakadu Plum Beverage Project
Cartwright, Jessica, Netzel, Michael E., Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Wright, Olivia R. L. (2023). Kakadu Plum Beverage Project. Health and Wellbeing Queensland Project Meeting, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 4 April 2023.
2023
Conference Publication
Empowering Indigenous communities to improve their health through nutrition: Introduction of a Sugar-Sweetened Beverage alternative
Cartwright, Jessica, Netzel, Michael E., Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Wright, Olivia R. L. (2023). Empowering Indigenous communities to improve their health through nutrition: Introduction of a Sugar-Sweetened Beverage alternative. Student Presentations session of Karen Sheldon visit to UQ, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 7 March 2023.
2023
Journal Article
Effects of incorporating processed Acacia seed as an emulsifying agent on the quality attributes of beef sausage
Adiamo, Oladipupo Q., Netzel, Michael E., Hoffman, Louwrens C., Gidley, Michael J., Osborne, Simone and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2023). Effects of incorporating processed Acacia seed as an emulsifying agent on the quality attributes of beef sausage. Meat Science, 197 109069, 1-9. doi: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2022.109069
2023
Journal Article
Quality assessment of Burdekin plum (Pleiogynium timoriense) during ambient storage
Chen, Gengning, Netzel, Michael E., Mantilla, Sandra Milena Olarte, Phan, Anh Dao Thi, Netzel, Gabriele, Sivakumar, Dharini and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2023). Quality assessment of Burdekin plum (Pleiogynium timoriense) during ambient storage. Molecules, 28 (4) 1608, 1-22. doi: 10.3390/molecules28041608
2023
Journal Article
Valorisation of three underutilised native Australian plants: phenolic and organic acid profiles and in vitro antimicrobial activity
Seididamyeh, Maral, Phan, Anh Dao Thi, Sivakumar, Dharini, Netzel, Michael E., Mereddy, Ram and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2023). Valorisation of three underutilised native Australian plants: phenolic and organic acid profiles and in vitro antimicrobial activity. Foods, 12 (3) 623, 1-24. doi: 10.3390/foods12030623
2023
Journal Article
Structure – Function relationship of Australian Acacia seed protein concentrates: Amino acid composition, in vitro protein digestibility and molecular properties
Adiamo, Oladipupo Q., Netzel, Michael E., Hoffman, Louwrens C., Gidley, Michael J., Osborne, Simone and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2023). Structure – Function relationship of Australian Acacia seed protein concentrates: Amino acid composition, in vitro protein digestibility and molecular properties. Food Bioscience, 51 102339, 1-11. doi: 10.1016/j.fbio.2022.102339
2023
Journal Article
Nutritional and techno-functional properties of Australian Acacia seed flour: effects of roasting on chemical composition, physicochemical properties, and in vitro digestibility and intestinal iron absorption
Adiamo, Oladipupo Q., Netzel, Michael E., Hoffman, Louwrens C., Gidley, Michael J., Osborne, Simone and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2023). Nutritional and techno-functional properties of Australian Acacia seed flour: effects of roasting on chemical composition, physicochemical properties, and in vitro digestibility and intestinal iron absorption. Food Research International, 164 112336, 1-14. doi: 10.1016/j.foodres.2022.112336
2023
Journal Article
Nutritional composition and anti-nutrients of underutilized Australian Indigenous edible halophytes – Saltbush, Seablite and Seapurslane
Srivarathan, Sukirtha, Thi Phan, Anh Dao, Hong, Hung Trieu, Netzel, Gabriele, Wright, Olivia, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael E. (2023). Nutritional composition and anti-nutrients of underutilized Australian Indigenous edible halophytes – Saltbush, Seablite and Seapurslane. Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, 115 104876, 1-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jfca.2022.104876
2023
Conference Publication
Impact of storage on in vitro bioaccessibility of anthocyanins in ‘Rubycot’ plumcot and ‘Queen Garnet’ plum
Kodagoda, G.K., Hong, H.T., Addepalli, R., Topp, B., Sultanbawa, Y., O'Hare, T.J., Netzel, M.E. and Osborne, S. (2023). Impact of storage on in vitro bioaccessibility of anthocyanins in ‘Rubycot’ plumcot and ‘Queen Garnet’ plum. 46th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Nutrition Society of Australia, Perth, WA Australia, 29 November – 2 December 2022. Cambridge, United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press. doi: 10.1017/s0029665123001210
2022
Conference Publication
High folate strawberries
Netzel, M. (2022). High folate strawberries. Driscoll’s visit (Industry meeting), Long Pocket, QLD Australia, 12 December 2022.
2022
Conference Publication
Impact of storage on in vitro bioaccessibility of anthocyanins in 'Rubycot' plumcot and 'Queen Garnet' plum
Kodagoda, G. K., Hong, H. T., Addepalli, R., Topp, B., Sultanbawa, Y., O'Hare, T. J., Netzel, M. E. and Osborne, S. (2022). Impact of storage on in vitro bioaccessibility of anthocyanins in 'Rubycot' plumcot and 'Queen Garnet' plum. Nutrition Society of Australia (NSA) Annual Scientific Meeting, Perth, WA Australia, 29 November-2 December 2022.
2022
Book
Handbook of phytonutrients in indigenous fruits and vegetables
Dharini Sivakumar, Yasmina Sultanbawa and Michael Netzel eds. (2022). Handbook of phytonutrients in indigenous fruits and vegetables. Boston, MA, United States: CABI. doi: 10.1079/9781789248043.0000
2022
Conference Publication
Australian Indigenous edible halophytes – nutritious and functional for a sustainable future
Srivarathan, S., Phan, A. D. T., Hong, H. T., Netzel, G., Wright, O. R. L., Sultanbawa, Y. and Netzel, M. E. (2022). Australian Indigenous edible halophytes – nutritious and functional for a sustainable future. 19th Biennial Conference of the Australian and New Zealand Associations of von Humboldt Fellows, Geelong, VIC Australia, 19-20 November 2022.
2022
Conference Publication
Kakadu plum bioactivity against microorganisms and oxidative reactions in raw beef patties
Beya, M., Netzel, M., Smyth, H., Sultanbawa, Y. and Hoffman, L. (2022). Kakadu plum bioactivity against microorganisms and oxidative reactions in raw beef patties. TROPAG, International Agriculture Conference, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 31 October-2 November 2022.
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.
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
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
Investigating the nutritional and bioactive properties of native Australian Citrus species
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Natasha Hungerford, 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
-
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
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
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
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
-
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
Enquiries
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