Developing 3D cell culture models is at the core of tissue engineering. These in vitro models, aim at reducing animal testing and pave the way for personalised and regenerative medicine. Currently, bioengineering research focuses on developing approaches to promote cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation in a physiologically relevant environment. Hence, hydrogels and cryogels emerged as the leading candidates for cellular scaffolds due to their biocompatibility and physical properties. Hydrogels are used as a support material for cellular proliferation because they replicate the characteristics of the extracellular matrix (ECM) properties. Encapsulating cells within hydrogels confers several beneficial properties, including high water content and mechanical adjustability to generate specific architectures. However, producing big pores (from hundreds of nanometers to a few micrometers) in a reproducible way remains a challenge. The pore size has a direct impact on the elimination of waste products, the appropriate oxygen diffusion, nutrient delivery and vessel formation in tissues. Moreover, these limitations hamper the possibility of injecting external solutions or substances into cells, such as drugs or contrast agents for imaging.