Abstract We prepared bilayer films of iron yam–pea starch and corn zein to evaluate their potential application in the packaging of instant foods and condiments. We found that the water resistance and mechanical properties of bilayer films were improved after adding a layer of corn zein compared with the monolayer films of the starch materials. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the bilayers were close and this was reflected in increased thermal stability and biocompatibility between layers with the addition of zein. Our experimental films showed greater elongation at break than the commercial biaxially oriented polypropylene polyethylene films. Based on the results of this study, the iron yam-pea starch/corn zein films have the mechanical strength and flexibility to be used for convenience food packaging materials, which are expected to provide consumers with clean products.

Patrinia heterophylla Bunge, Caprifoliaceae, is a traditional Chinese medicine that has been used for cancer therapy. In our study, a panel of human cancer cells was treated with extract of Patrinia heterophylla Bunge. (PHEB), MTT study showed that PC-3 Human prostate adenocarcinoma was the most responsive (IC50 9.21±0.32 µg/mL) one to cell growth inhibition, the further study also demonstrated that PHEB could inhibit the proliferation of PC-3 based on a concentration-and time-dependent manner. The transplanted model of sarcoma 180 (S180) and hepatoma 22 (H22) was established in mice, the study demonstrated that i.p. administration of 20, 40, 60 mg/kg PHEB exhibited a significant inhibitory effect on the growth of transplantation tumor, with inhibition rate 23.9, 48.4 and 53.6% on S180 and 21.0, 46.3 and 57.2% on H22, respectively. To investigate the molecular mechanism of PHEB in PC-3, the morphological changes of apoptosis were observed by fluorescent microscopy, apoptosis rate was analyzed by flow cytometry (FCM). Morphological characterizations such as apoptotic bodies and membrane blebs were shown by microscopy. The increase of an early apoptotic population was observed in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that PHEB has anti-tumor effects and its mechanism is attributed partially to apoptosis induced.