The present invention relates to a method for producing porous polysaccharide beads, comprising: (a) mixing a water-based solution of a polysaccharide under stirring with an essentially water-immiscible first organic phase to form an emulsion which separates into two continuous phases; (b) adding a second organic phase comprising an emulsifier and an organic solvent to form a three-phase system; (c) allowing the three-phase system to emulsify; and (d) decreasing the temperature below the gelling point of the polysaccharide, thereby obtaining beads having two sets of pores, said method being characterised in that the emulsifier is a water-insoluble polymer capable of stabilising said three-phase system.