According to an illustrative embodiment a method to promote healing of a wound is provided comprising contacting the wound with a biologically active composition comprising a lipoic acid derivative and gelatin. In another embodiment a topical composition is provided, which can be formulated as a homogenous mixture, such as a spray, mist, aerosol, lotion, cream, solution, oil, gel, ointment, paste, emulsion or suspension or applied on a carrier material, such as a bandage, gauze, foam, sponge, hydrogel, hydrocolloid, hydrofiber, occlusive dressing, adhesive composition or scaffold. Methods for producing such a topical composition and carrier material with the topical composition applied thereto are also disclosed.