Left arrow black
Back to simulations

Kjeldahl Method: Estimate the protein content in food Virtual Lab

Measure the protein content in a food sample with the Kjeldahl method, and investigate whether the apparent result has been tampered with by using LC-MS/MS.

Try for FreeTry for Free
Green Checkmark Icon

University / College

Logo Taylor's UniversityArizona State University LogoLogo uOttawaLogo Univ. Essex
Labster is used by 1,000's of amazing schools and universities
Learn more
Blue Arrow Right
 
Kjeldahl Method: Estimate the protein content in food

About this Simulation

In the Kjeldahl Method simulation, you will learn how to use the Kjeldahl method to determine the protein content of a food sample, and how to use LC-MS/MS to investigate if the sample has been adulterated to make the protein content seem higher than it is.

Analyze a milk powder sample

Your lab has received batch samples of milk powder from 3 different producers. Your mission is to analyze a sample from one of the batches using the Kjeldahl method, in order to determine the exact protein content, and to make sure this is consistent with the reported value.

Tracing the steps of the Kjeldahl method

An animation will introduce you to each step of the analysis, and show what goes on at the molecular level.You will then perform the acid digestion, steam distillation and finally a colorimetric titration, before being challenged with the calculations needed to transfer the lab result to a protein content in the sample.

Is everything what it appears to be?

How can you be certain that your findings are correct? There might be ways to fool the Kjeldahl method! In the second half of the simulation, you will look into how this can happen, and explore the powerful technique LC-MS/MS, which can be used to detect if a known adulterant has been added to any of the received milk powder batches.

Will you be able to safely release the milk powder batches for consumers around the world?

Learning Objectives

At the end of this simulation, you will be able to:

  • Describe the steps involved in the Kjeldahl method

  • Analyze the nitrogen content of a food sample

  • Calculate the protein content of a sample from the determined nitrogen content

  • Explain why the Kjeldahl method cannot be used to identify milk powder that was cut with melamine

  • Apply the principles of spiking and recovery in analytical chemistry

  • Interpret basic LC-MS/MS data

  • Describe the fundamentals of an LC-MS/MS analysis

  • Argue whether food fraud has been conducted based on available data

Techniques in Lab

At the end of this simulation, you will be able to:

  • LC-MS/MS chromatogram interpretation
  • Kjeldahl method

How do virtual labs work?

Engage students in science through interactive learning scenarios. Simulate experiments, train lab techniques, and teach theory through visual experiences that enhance long-term learning outcomes.

Green Checkmark Icon

300+ Web-based simulations that can be played on laptops, Chromebooks, and tablets/iPads without installing any software

Green Checkmark Icon

Teacher dashboard to automate grading and track student progress

Green Checkmark Icon

Embedded quizzes to help students master science content

Green Checkmark Icon

Library of learning resources, lab reports, videos, theory pages, graphics and more

Book a Free Consultation

Relevant Course Packages

All Course Packages
Black arrow right

Get Started Now!

Try Labster with your students right away.
Green Checkmark Icon

Track student progress

Green Checkmark Icon

Assess with embedded quiz questions

Green Checkmark Icon

Invite your students to play simulations

Green Checkmark Icon

Explore over 300 Labster simulations

Green Checkmark Icon

30 days for free, no credit card needed

Start your free trial today to discover the possibilities with Virtual Labs

Integrate with your LMS

Labster integrates with all major LMS (Learning Management Systems) so that educators can use their gradebooks to track students’ performance data and students can keep a record of their work. Labster is compatible with Canvas, Blackboard, Moodle, Google Classroom, Schoology, Sakai, and Brightspace / D2L. It’s also possible to use Labster without an LMS.

How to Integrate Your LMS
Blue Arrow Right

Frequently asked questions

What do students learn in the "Kjeldahl Method: Estimate the protein content in food" simulation?
What is the simulated Chemistry scenario in this virtual lab?
What other Chemistry labs does Labster offer?