A method of preparing a silicon-containing polymeric structure coated/encapsulated active ingredient is disclosed. The method has the steps of providing an insoluble active ingredient dispersing the active ingredient in a liquid medium to form a suspension of the active ingredient adding a silicon-containing polymeric structure precursor to the suspension and reacting the precursor to form the silicon-containing polymeric structure. The silicon-containing polymeric structure is formed around the active ingredient, thereby forming a silicon-containing polymeric structure coated/encapsulated active ingredient. The silicon-containing polymeric structure coated/encapsulated active ingredient may be used in place of the active ingredient itself
