The presently claimed and disclosed invention relates, in general, to three dimensional micro-environments and, in particular, to three dimensional (“3D”) micro-environments found in inverted-opal scaffolds made from hydrogel therein for controlled release of nutrients. Specifically, the scaffolds have exceptionally ordered, three-dimensional organization that provides excellent porosity, permeability, and transportation properties can that are especially well suited for use as a nutrient carrier in the emerging technologies of drug delivery and cell culture. Methods for incorporation of or to control the release of nutrients and other substances from such scaffold materials are also herein disclosed and claimed.