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Starch nanoparticles (SNPs) was produced from type-A, B and C native starches (corn, potato and Trichosanthes kirilowii pulp starches respectively), via the nanoprecipitation method. The SNPs showed different amylose contents, water contact angles, surface morphologies and urea clearance performances. In this work, to examine the parameters of SNPs that may change the urea adsorption capacity, urea adsorption performance in adsorption environments with different pH values, urea concentrations, and adsorption times was examined. Thereafter, the characteristics of SNPs were tested by water contact angle measurements (WCA), transmission electron microscopy, specific surface area measurements, gel permeation chromatography, and zeta potential analysis. The results showed that the Trichosanthes kirilowii pulp (C) SNPs show better adsorption than the corn (A) and potato (B) SNPs. The hydrophobicity of SNPs promotes the urea adsorption of the SNPs. Using grey relational analysis, it was found that WCA and Mn are the critical parameter affecting the adsorption performance, with WCA and Mn within the ranges of 31–33° and 1900–2100 kDa, respectively, were found to be the conditions for optimal urea adsorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Faster production of starch nanoparticles using DMSO nano-precipitation method. • Water content in DMSO can influence the recrystallized of starch nanoparticles. • Controlled surface morphology is achieved for type A, B and C starch nanoparticle. • Trichosanthes kirilowii pulp SNPs (type C) in film morphology demonstrated an significantly enhanced urea adsorption rate. Starch nanoparticles (SNPs) with different morphology and particle size can be prepared by modulating the reaction conditions over SNPs preparation. This study was to synthesize various SNPs by using ultrasound assisted nanoprecipitation method, and characterized by particle size analysis, SEM and XRD performing. SNPs were successfully produced via nanoprecipitation and the particle size were controlled in the range of 95 to 150 nm. Moreover, variously different morphologies were obtained when using corn, potato or Trichosanthes kirilowii pulp (TKP) starch to produce nanoparticles, including fiber, flake and film. Results shown film TKP SNPs demonstrated an improved urea adsorption rate to 135.60 mg/g with the highest q m at 1.00 mg/mL. SNPs can be developed using ultrasound assisted nanoprecipitation method and the particle size together with surface morphology can be varied according to the source of starch and preparation method, while surface morphology is the key factor in altering adsorption performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]