Conjugates are provided herein which comprise a protein attached to at least two polymeric moieties at least one of which exhibits reverse thermal gelation. The conjugates are suitable for being cross-linked by non-covalent and/or covalent cross-linking. Compositions-of-matter comprising cross-linked conjugates are provided herein as well as processes for producing same. Methods of controlling a physical property of compositions-of-matter are also provided herein. The conjugates and compositions-of-matter may be used for various applications such as cell growth tissue formation and treatment of disorders characterized by tissue damage or loss as described herein.
