Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to methods and compositions for controlling cellular expression. More specifically, embodiments described herein relate to hydrogel-encapsulated/dispersed cells, methods of forming hydrogel-encapsulated/dispersed cells, and methods of using hydrogel-encapsulated/dispersed cells for controlling production of, for example, secretomes. In an embodiment, a composition for controlling production of secretomes is provided. The composition includes, a hydrogel comprising, in polymerized form, one or more photoreactive monomers and a thiol linker, wherein at least one of the one or more photoreactive monomers comprises a methylene functional group; and one or more cells dispersed or encapsulated within the hydrogel.