A delivery system for various functional compounds is disclosed. The delivery system incorporates a composition containing silica and/or alumina. Various functional materials containing particular moieties may be adsorbed onto the silica and/or alumina and used as desired. The functional compounds can be, for instance, pharmaceuticals, xenobiotics, anti-microbial agents, anti-viral agents, UV absorbers, odor control agents, fragrances, and the like. In one particular embodiment, for instance, certain dyes can be adsorbed onto the alumina surfaces. Once the dye is adsorbed onto the alumina surface, the resulting particles can be combined with a liquid vehicle for use in any suitable printing process.