Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a class of natural and synthetic peptides with broad antimicrobial activity against viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. They are produced by various organisms, including animals, plants, and microorganisms, and play a crucial role in the innate immune system. AMPs can be categorized into different types based on their structure and mode of action, such as α-helical, β-sheet, extended, and loop structures. They target the cell membrane of microorganisms, disrupt membrane integrity, and inhibit protein, DNA, and RNA synthesis. AMPs have shown potential in controlling biofilms and persister cells, which are resistant to conventional antibiotics. However, challenges such as toxicity, environmental sensitivity, and resistance to AMPs remain. Designing new synthetic AMPs involves considering factors like length, net charge, helicity, hydrophobicity, amphipathicity, and solubility. Modifications such as covalent bonding, amino acid content changes, amidation, and the use of unnatural amino acids can enhance AMP stability and activity. Recent studies have explored the use of AMPs in controlling biofilms and persister cells, showing promising results in reducing biofilm formation and killing resistant bacterial cells. Despite these advancements, resistance mechanisms against AMPs, including constitutive and inducible resistance, continue to be a challenge in their application.Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a class of natural and synthetic peptides with broad antimicrobial activity against viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. They are produced by various organisms, including animals, plants, and microorganisms, and play a crucial role in the innate immune system. AMPs can be categorized into different types based on their structure and mode of action, such as α-helical, β-sheet, extended, and loop structures. They target the cell membrane of microorganisms, disrupt membrane integrity, and inhibit protein, DNA, and RNA synthesis. AMPs have shown potential in controlling biofilms and persister cells, which are resistant to conventional antibiotics. However, challenges such as toxicity, environmental sensitivity, and resistance to AMPs remain. Designing new synthetic AMPs involves considering factors like length, net charge, helicity, hydrophobicity, amphipathicity, and solubility. Modifications such as covalent bonding, amino acid content changes, amidation, and the use of unnatural amino acids can enhance AMP stability and activity. Recent studies have explored the use of AMPs in controlling biofilms and persister cells, showing promising results in reducing biofilm formation and killing resistant bacterial cells. Despite these advancements, resistance mechanisms against AMPs, including constitutive and inducible resistance, continue to be a challenge in their application.