The present invention provides a method for preparing chitosan and xylan composite thereto-gelling solutions to allow regulating the conditions in which the chitosan and xylan solution will gel. The present invention also provides methods for using chitosan/xylan solutions as compositions and for using chitosan/xylan solutions in vitro and in vivo. A thermally-responsive composite hydrogel has been developed and synthesized from the natural polymers chitosan and xylan. The new material is a viscous liquid at room temperature, but turns to a solid gel at physiological temperature (37 C). Rate of gelation is controlled with addition of a salt solution. Applications are for tissue engineering and local delivery of therapeutic agents, including proteins and drugs, as wells as cells.
