Synthesis by Sol–Gel Route of Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Material: Chemical Characterization and In Vitro Release Study

Abstract

Hybrid materials, composed of organic and inorganic components at the nanometer or molecular level, have emerged as a promising material class at the forefront of technological progress. Their potential applications in the biological and medical fields have garnered significant interest, particularly in the context of incorporating antioxidant compounds. This study focuses on the synthesis and characterization of a sol–gel-derived hybrid material, consisting of silica (S), polyethylene glycol (P), and the antioxidant flavonoid quercetin (Q). By varying the concentrations of Q and P, the structural and biological properties of the SPQ hybrid systems were investigated. Structural analysis using Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopies provided insights into the material composition and morphology, giving information about the interactions between the organic and inorganic phases. Additionally, the in vitro release study revealed a controlled release of quercetin over time, demonstrating that the hybrid materials possess a suitable application for drug delivery.