A cell-free combination for use in the controlled, especially decelerated or retarded, release of active ingredient and/or in the production of a formulation in hydrogel form, especially depot formulation in hydrogel form, and/or as a formulation in hydrogel form, especially depot formulation in hydrogel form, and/or for the coating of a medical product, especially implant, preferably with a formulation in hydrogel form, especially depot formulation in hydrogel form, wherein the cell-free combination comprises a first component and a second component, the first component comprising crosslinkable albumin and the second component comprising a crosslinking agent for the albumin. Additionally, a hydrogel-forming material or hydrogel, to a kit or multicomponent system, to a medical product or a pharmaceutical formulation, to a discharge device, and to uses of the cell-free combination and of the hydrogel-forming material or hydrogel.