Abstract: Taught herein is a drug-delivery system that includes encapsulating a therapeutic drug in a nanoparticle vesicle that is then embedded into a hydrogel network. The system allows for enhanced, two-fold control over the release rate of the drug. This technology will be particularly advantageous in treating malignant cancer cells such as those found in the brain. The invention will allow for decreased side effects and increased survival time in patients. This invention opens the door to other technological applications that require controlled release of chemical substances.