Abstract: A cross-linkable hydrogel composition comprising an aqueous base carrier composition and a cross-linkable hydrogel precursor, wherein the aqueous base carrier composition comprises one or more polymers and one or more nanoparticles, wherein the one or more polymers are selectively adsorbed to the one or more nanoparticles, and wherein the one or more polymers and the one or more nanoparticles form a shear-thinning and self-healing hydrogel and wherein the one or more polymers and the one or more nanoparticles and cross-linkable hydrogel precursor are each comprised in the cross-linkable hydrogel composition in a concentration at which neither the one or more polymers nor the nanoparticles, taken alone, form a hydrogel, characterized in that the cross-linkable hydrogel precursor is not selectively adsorbed to the one or more nanoparticles and in that the cross-linkable hydrogel precursor and the one or more nanoparticles don't form a transient shear-thinning and self-healing hydrogel.