methods of treating a subterranean formation are disclosed , using a fluid including an essentially metal - free organic crosslinker selected from amines , diamines , poly amines , polyamino polymers , alcohols , polyols , polyhydroxy polymers , hydroxyl amines , peptides and proteins , combined with a polysaccharide or cellulosic material having oxidized functional groups . the fluid is then introduced into a wellbore penetrating the formation to contact the formation . the polysaccharide or cellulosic material may have aldehyde groups as one example of an oxidized group , or any other suitable oxidized functional group . the polysaccharide or the cellulosic material may be oxidized using at least one of an enzymes , oxidizers , photooxidation , bacteria , catalyst , or other suitable technique . the fluid may also further include an inorganic crosslinker .