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This work aimed first to prepare deproteinized natural rubber latex (DNRL) and investigate the properties of films after it was blended with various adhesive polymers: hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC), methyl cellulose (MC), sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (SCMC), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), poloxamer 407, and sodium alginate. The second aim was to identify the films that would be the best for medical and pharmaceutical applications. Dibutyl phthalate (DBP), diethyl phthalate, dibutyl sebacate, triethyl citrate, and glycerin (GLY) were used as plasticizers to improve the elasticity and adhesiveness of the novel materials. DNRL was prepared by proteolytic alcalase enzyme treatment, followed by centrifugation. The DNRL was virtually free of protein, produced no significant reaction in the rabbit skin irritation test, and formed a good elastic film, but it had low skin adhesive properties. Blending DNRL with several polymers produced better films with different elastic and adhesive properties. Moisture uptake and swelling tests indicated that its films provided increasing hydrophilicity when blended with several polymers. SEM showed homogeneous films, and water hydraulic permeability tests indicated some porosity in matrix films. Blending DNRL with HPMC or PVA and DBP or GLY produced films with the best potential for novel materials. FT-IR, DSC, and XRD studies indicated the compatibility of the blended ingredients. In conclusion, DNRL blends could be used suitably for medical and pharmaceutical applications.

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Nicotine matrix films were prepared using DNRL/HPMC blends for transdermal delivery. Several plasticizers were also mixed. The mechanical and physicochemical properties, moisture uptake, and swelling ratio of films depended on HPMC and plasticizers. The compatibility of each ingredient in the blended films was confirmed by FT-IR, XRD, and DSC. The in vitro release of nicotine showed a monophasic slow release pattern. The polymer and plasticizer blends produced a faster release rate. The kinetics of nicotine release from the films fitted the diffusion type. Surprisingly, the permeation of the nicotine into the skin occurred by zero-order kinetics. It was concluded that nicotine matrix films could be produced that could provide a controlled release of the drug and suitable permeation patterns. Moreover, they were safe to apply to the skin as they did not cause irritation.