disclosed herein is a cross - linked polymeric system comprising thiolated hyaluronic acid , thiolated chondroitin sulfate , and functionalized polyethylene glycol , wherein said functionalized peg cross - links thiolated ha and thiolated cs . methods of fabrication and utilization of the same are also claimed . this polymeric system may be used as an engineered biocompatible cellular matrix for 3d cell culture , tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications .