The nicotine transdermal patches (NTPs) are available used for smoking cessation; however, they still should be developed for high efficacy and low cost. In this study, deproteinized natural rubber latex (DNRL) blended with hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC) and dibutylphthalate (DBP) were used as matrix membrane for nicotine (NCT) delivery. Several techniques, i.e., FT-IR, XRD, DSC, and SEM were used to characterize the compatibility of each ingredient in the blended patches. A backing layer was used to protect NCT from volatilization. Five different types of backing layer were evaluated for their effects on in vitro release and skin permeation of NCT from the formulated matrix membranes. The backing layer with highest moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) and lowest oxygen transmission (OT) supposed to give higher NCT release and skin permeation due to increasing of skin hydration and its occlusive effect. The kinetic of in vitro release and permeation was demonstrated the monophasic slow release pattern which confirmed by first order and zero order kinetics, respectively. Therefore, the backing layer could be appropriated and used conveniently in the preparation of NTPs. (C) 2011 The Institution of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.