Synthesis of Colored Beetroot/Silica‐hybrid by Sol–Gel Route: Chemical and Colorimetric Study

This work aims to synthesize silica-based hybrid materials incorporating beetroot extract (Br) via the sol–gel method at different concentrations (4, 8, and 24 wt%). The hybrids are analyzed using colorimetric and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to assess their structural and functional properties. Colorimetric analysis confirms a significant color change compared to the transparent SiO2 reference, with increasing extract content leading to darker and more saturated materials. This is further supported by the ΔE parameter, which reaches a value of 50.0 in SiO2+24Br%. FTIR spectroscopy reveals the successful incorporation of Br within the silica network and the formation of hydrogen bonding interactions between SiO2 and Br, as evidenced by shifts in the OH bending and Si–O–Si stretching bands. Additionally, characteristic beetroot peaks confirm the integration of polyphenolic compounds within the silica matrix. The persistence of these functional groups suggests that the bioactive molecules remain embedded in the hybrid material, potentially preserving their functionality.