A gel composition that forms a three dimensional gel microenvironment that is formed of an adhesive protein, a maleimide-functionalized poly alkylene oxide, a linking agent and a nanoparticle, the components forming an interpenetrating network that exhibits improved mechanical and biochemical properties, as well as creates a favorable microenvironment for cellular growth and proliferation. The gel composition also creates a favorable microenvironment for testing various agents on normal or diseased cells, including chemotherapeutic agents on cancer cells or other diseased cells.