The synthesis of pectin-silica gels using low and high methoxyl pectins and TEOS is described. The gelation depends on degree of methylation of pectin and TEOS concentration. The IR spectra of the pectin-silica gels indicate the formation of hydrogen and covalent bonds between silica and pectin macromolecules. Different pectin-silica beads with mesalazine were synthesized by combination of sol-gel and ionotropic gelation methods. The drug release of pectin-silica beads in simulated GIT occurs gradually and is dependent on the beads hardness.