Galactomannans are polysaccharides formed by a β(1 4)-D-mannan backbone attached to α(1 6)-
D-galactose units. They are commonly extracted from leguminous seeds and used as alternative
sources for the production of films. Lactoferrin (Lf), bioactive peptides (BAPs), and phytosterols
are biomolecules with functional properties and potential immobilization into films. The use of
galactomannan films as immobilization systems is unexplored and emerges as an alternative for
the incorporation of biomolecules for several biotechnological applications. This work aims
evaluating the effect of different concentrations of LF, BAPs and phytosterols on the properties
of galactomannan films obtained from Cassia grandis seeds. Colour parameters (L*, a* and b*) and
opacity were determined using a digital colorimeter. Solubility in water was expressed as
percentage of the film dry matter solubilized after 24 h immersion in distilled water and water
vapour permeability (WVP) was determined gravimetrically based on ASTM E96-92 method.
Contact angle (CA) was measured by the sessile drop method and mechanical properties were
measured using a texture analyzer following the guidelines of ASTM D882-02. All the studied films
had a strong whiteness tendency. The presence of Lf increased (p<0.05) the redness appearance
of the films, even considering their evident yellowness tendency. All the studied films presented
low opacity values (ranged between 11.53±0.15 and 12.37±0.16), however the films with
immobilized phytosterols were more opaque than the other films. Solubility values decreased
with the addition of Lf, while the incorporation of BAPs and phytosterols did not lead to
statistical differences (p>0.05) between the films. The presence of Lf and phytosterols
significantly increased the WVP values, leading to values 3.9 and 1.7-fold higher than the control
film, respectively. Lf and BAPs increased (p<0.05) the CA values when compared to the results of
the control film. Young′s modulus and tensile strength increased with the addition of
biomolecules, improving the stiffness of the films, while the control films were more flexible due
to the highest values of elongation at break. Galactomannan-based films from C. grandis showed
to be a promising structure for the immobilization of biomolecules foreseeing a great number of
possible applications in food and pharmaceutical industries
