The present invention relates to a method for forming a silica-based particle or composite consisting of a silica-based material, an active, with or without a surface modification, and the related composition. The silica-based particle is illustrated by the formula (SiO2)x(OH)yRzSt, whereby R is an active or actives such as an organic or inorganic molecule that includes markers, amines, thiols, epoxies, organosilicones, organosilanes, and water soluble agents and, optionally, a surface modifier, S, which may be either organic, polymeric, or inorganic. Examples of a surface modifying material are inorganic salts of aluminum and boron or organic materials such as organosilanes or low molecular weight polymers. As such, the particle can be used in a variety of applications including any of a variety of high temperature, at acidic, neutral, or basic pH, or pressure environments.; The composites have applications as diverse as papermaking, water treatment, chemical tracing, personal care, microbiological control, and delivery of polymers, for example. With regard to papermaking, the particle provides retention and drainage performance while delivering whitener, or OBA, other functional additives and serves an additive tracker.