A method of incorporating cells in a porous matrix, the method comprising incorporating the cells in the porous matrix by forming a gel comprising the cells in situ in the porous matrix from a gellable medium, wherein the formation of the gel from the gellable medium comprises a time period of 10 minutes or less after contact of the gellable medium with the cells, thereby incorporating the cells in the porous matrix. The incorporated cells can then be used, for example, to produce a cultured skin product or deliver specific cells to a subject in need thereof.