A responsive gel bead is provided, which includes a polymer in the form selected from the group consisting of individual polymers, polymer blends and interpenetrating polymer networks, which is chemically cross-linked with a bi-functional or multi-functional organic compound, the gel bead having an LCST of less than 55 °C. The responsive gel bead additionally possesses a diameter in a collapsed state of less than 600 νm, the collapsed state at a temperature no greater than 75 °C, and is capable of absorbing at least 5 grams solvent per milliliter of collapsed gel. A method for the manufacture of the responsive cellulosic gel beads by inverse suspension cross-linking includes providing an aqueous supension of a cellulose ether polymer, an organic solvent and a cross-linker, where the organic solvent is immiscible with the aqueous suspension and admixing the aqueous cellulose ether suspension, the organic solvent and the cross-linker to form a two-phase system, where the aqueous suspension and the organic solvent comprise the two phases of the system. Surfactants, compatibilizing agents and other additives may be desirable. The two-phase system is agitated sufficient to form droplets of the aqueous cellulose ether suspension in the organic solvent and maintained for a time sufficient to form cross-linked cellulose ether gel beads. The cross-linked cellulose ether gel beads are recovered from the organic solvent.
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