Michael Netzel

Dr. Michael Netzel’s (The University of Queensland, Australia) main research interests are related to phytochemicals/functional ingredients, their analytical determination, binding characteristics within the plant (food) matrix, structural modifications/degradation during processing and digestion, bioaccessibility as well as bioavailability and metabolism (“from the raw produce to the absorbed and metabolized bioactive compound”). Understanding in vitro bioaccessibility (matrix release and availability for intestinal absorption) as well as the much more complex in vivo bioavailability (including microbial degradation in the gut) of dietary phytochemicals are crucial in understanding and predicting their bioactivity and potential health benefits in humans. Assessing the “nutritional value” of Australian grown (native and non-native) fruits and vegetables in the context of a diverse, sustainable and healthy diet is the current focus of his research.