
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
2021
Journal Article
Challenges and opportunities of the fourth revolution: a brief insight into the future of food
Chapman, James, Power, Aoife, Netzel, Michael E., Sultanbawa, Yasmina, Smyth, Heather E., Truong, Vic Khanh and Cozzolino, Daniel (2021). Challenges and opportunities of the fourth revolution: a brief insight into the future of food. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 62 (10), 1-9. doi: 10.1080/10408398.2020.1863328
2021
Journal Article
Monitoring two different drying methods of Kakadu plum puree by combining infrared and chemometrics analysis
Cozzolino, Daniel, Phan, Anh, Netzel, Michael, Smyth, Heather and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2021). Monitoring two different drying methods of Kakadu plum puree by combining infrared and chemometrics analysis. CyTA - Journal of Food, 19 (1), 183-189. doi: 10.1080/19476337.2021.1875052
2020
Journal Article
Metabolism of Black Carrot Polyphenols during In Vitro Fermentation is Not Affected by Cellulose or Cell Wall Association
Netzel, Gabriele, Mikkelsen, Deirdre, Flanagan, Bernadine M., Netzel, Michael E., Gidley, Michael J. and Williams, Barbara A. (2020). Metabolism of Black Carrot Polyphenols during In Vitro Fermentation is Not Affected by Cellulose or Cell Wall Association. Foods, 9 (12) 1911, 1911. doi: 10.3390/foods9121911
2020
Journal Article
Interactions between phytochemicals and minerals in Terminalia ferdinandiana and implications for mineral bioavailability
Akter, Saleha, Netzel, Michael, Tinggi, Ujang, Fletcher, Mary, Osborne, Simone and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2020). Interactions between phytochemicals and minerals in Terminalia ferdinandiana and implications for mineral bioavailability. Frontiers in Nutrition, 7 598219, 598219. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2020.598219
2020
Edited Outputs
Proceedings ‘Supporting optimal nutrition in diverse communities’
Michael E. Netzel ed. (2020). Proceedings ‘Supporting optimal nutrition in diverse communities’. Joint NSA Brisbane Local Group/ARC ITTC UAF Webinar, virtual, 7 December 2020.
2020
Conference Publication
Research in Germany, interested?
Netzel, Michael (2020). Research in Germany, interested?. Joint NSA Brisbane Local Group/ARC ITTC UAF Webinar, Virtual, 7 December 2020.
2020
Journal Article
Anthocyanins: “berry” much more than common plant pigments
Wright, Olivia R. L., Phan, Anh D. T., Hong, Hung T., Netzel, Gabriele, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael E. (2020). Anthocyanins: “berry” much more than common plant pigments. Australian Berry Journal, Summer (5), 22-23.
2020
Journal Article
Effect of sample presentation on the near infrared spectra of wild harvest Kakadu plum fruits (Terminalia ferdinandiana)
Mulisa Bobasa, Eshetu, Dao Thi Phan, Anh, Manolis, Comalie, Netzel, Michael, Smyth, Heather, Cozzolino, Daniel and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2020). Effect of sample presentation on the near infrared spectra of wild harvest Kakadu plum fruits (Terminalia ferdinandiana). Infrared Physics and Technology, 111 103560, 1-5. doi: 10.1016/j.infrared.2020.103560
2020
Conference Publication
Australian grown Feijoa (Acca sellowiana) – an underestimated fruit?
Netzel, Michael E., Phan, Anh D. T., Cozzolino, Daniel, Wright, Olivia and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2020). Australian grown Feijoa (Acca sellowiana) – an underestimated fruit?. Queensland Annual Chemistry Symposium (QACS), Brisbane, QLD Australia, 27 November 2020. Melbourne, VIC Australia: RACI.
2020
Journal Article
The use of vibrational spectroscopy to predict Vitamin C in Kakadu plum powders (Terminalia ferdinandiana Exell, Combretaceae)
Cozzolino, Daniel, Phan, Anh Dao Thi, Netzel, Michael E., Smyth, Heather and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2020). The use of vibrational spectroscopy to predict Vitamin C in Kakadu plum powders (Terminalia ferdinandiana Exell, Combretaceae). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 101 (8) jsfa.10950, 3208-3213. doi: 10.1002/jsfa.10950
2020
Journal Article
An infrared analysis of Terminalia ferdinandiana exell [Combretaceae] fruit and leaves—towards the development of biospectroscopy tools to characterise uniquely Australian foods
Sultanbawa, Yasmina, Chaliha, Mridusmita, Phan, Anh Dao T., Olarte Mantilla, Sandra M., Netzel, Gaby, Netzel, Michael E., Smyth, Heather and Cozzolino, Daniel (2020). An infrared analysis of Terminalia ferdinandiana exell [Combretaceae] fruit and leaves—towards the development of biospectroscopy tools to characterise uniquely Australian foods. Food Analytical Methods, 14 (3), 423-429. doi: 10.1007/s12161-020-01915-z
2020
Conference Publication
Effects of Fruit Maturity on Physicochemical Properties, Sugar Accumulation and Antioxidant Capacity of Wild Harvested Kakadu Plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana)
Phan, Anh Dao Thi, Damyeh, Maral Seidi, Akter, Saleha, Chaliha, Mridusmita, Netzel, Michael E., Cozzolino, Daniel and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2020). Effects of Fruit Maturity on Physicochemical Properties, Sugar Accumulation and Antioxidant Capacity of Wild Harvested Kakadu Plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana). 1st International Electronic Conference on Food Science and Functional Foods, Online, 10–25 November 2020. Basel, Switzerland: MDPI. doi: 10.3390/foods_2020-07819
2020
Conference Publication
Edible halophytes—a novel source of functional food ingredients?
Srivarathan, Sukirtha, Phan, Anh Dao Thi, Sultanbawa, Yasmina, Wright, Olivia and Netzel, Michael E. (2020). Edible halophytes—a novel source of functional food ingredients?. 1st International Electronic Conference on Food Science and Functional Foods, Online, 10–25 November 2020. Basel, Switzerland: MDPI. doi: 10.3390/foods_2020-07822
2020
Conference Publication
Effects of fruit maturity on physicochemical properties, sugar accumulation and antioxidant capacity of wild harvested Kakadu plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana)
Phan, Anh D. T., Damyeh, Maral S., Chaliha, Mridusmita, Akter, Saleha, Fyfe, Selina A., Netzel, Michael E, Cozzolino, Daniel and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2020). Effects of fruit maturity on physicochemical properties, sugar accumulation and antioxidant capacity of wild harvested Kakadu plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana). 1st International Electronic Conference on Food Science and Functional Foods (MDPI), Online, 10-25 November 2020. Basel, Switzerland: MDPI.
2020
Conference Publication
Folate in Red Rhapsody Strawberry—Content and Storage Stability
Netzel, Michael E., Dumler, Caroline, Weber, Nadine, Rami, Julius, Rychlik, Michael, Netzel, Gabriele, Wright, Olivia, Hong, Hung Trieu and O’Hare, Tim J. (2020). Folate in Red Rhapsody Strawberry—Content and Storage Stability. 1st International Electronic Conference on Food Science and Functional Foods, Online, 10–25 November 2020. Basel, Switzerland: MDPI. doi: 10.3390/foods_2020-07670
2020
Conference Publication
Edible Halophytes – A novel Source of Functional Food Ingredients?
Srivarathan, Sukirtha, Phan, Anh D. T., Sultanbawa, Yasmina, Wright, Olivia and Netzel, Michael E. (2020). Edible Halophytes – A novel Source of Functional Food Ingredients?. 1st International Electronic Conference on Food Science and Functional Foods (MDPI), Online, 10-25 November 2020. Basel, Switzerland: MDPI.
2020
Journal Article
Assessing the interaction between drying and addition of maltodextrin to Kakadu plum powder samples by two dimensional and near infrared spectroscopy
Cozzolino, Daniel, Phan, Anh Dao T. , Netzel, Michael, Smyth, Heather and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2020). Assessing the interaction between drying and addition of maltodextrin to Kakadu plum powder samples by two dimensional and near infrared spectroscopy. Spectrochimica Acta Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy, 247 119121, 119121. doi: 10.1016/j.saa.2020.119121
2020
Journal Article
Garlic: much more than a common spice
Netzel, Michael E. (2020). Garlic: much more than a common spice. Foods, 9 (11) 1544, 1-3. doi: 10.3390/foods9111544
2020
Journal Article
Impact of curcumin-mediated photosensitization on fungal growth, physicochemical properties and nutritional composition in Australian grown strawberry
Sarwar, Shammy, Netzel, Gabriele, Netzel, Michael E., Mereddy, Ram, Phan, Anh Dao Thi, Hong, Hung Trieu, Cozzolino, Daniel and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2020). Impact of curcumin-mediated photosensitization on fungal growth, physicochemical properties and nutritional composition in Australian grown strawberry. Food Analytical Methods, 14 (3), 465-472. doi: 10.1007/s12161-020-01896-z
2020
Journal Article
Cold and dark treatments induce omega-3 fatty acid and carotenoid production in Nannochloropsis oceanica
Chua, Elvis T., Dal'Molin, Cristiana, Thomas-Hall, Skye, Netzel, Michael E., Netzel, Gabriele and Schenk, Peer M. (2020). Cold and dark treatments induce omega-3 fatty acid and carotenoid production in Nannochloropsis oceanica. Algal Research, 51 102059, 102059. doi: 10.1016/j.algal.2020.102059
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 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
-
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
-
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
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
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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: 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
Enquiries
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