Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are short, positively charged peptides found in various life forms, from microorganisms to humans. They have the ability to kill microbial pathogens directly or indirectly by modulating the host's immune response. With the increasing resistance to conventional antibiotics, there is a growing interest in developing AMPs as novel therapeutic agents. This review provides an overview of the biological role, classification, and mode of action of AMPs, discusses the opportunities and challenges in their clinical development, and reviews innovative formulation strategies for AMPs. AMPs are evolutionary conserved and play a crucial role in innate immunity, protecting hosts against infections. They exhibit a broad range of antimicrobial activity and immunomodulatory properties. The membrane disruption and intracellular targeting mechanisms of AMPs are discussed, highlighting their selectivity and efficiency in killing bacteria. The review also covers the potential of AMPs as therapeutic agents, including their use in anti-infective and immunomodulatory applications. Challenges in developing AMPs for clinical use, such as low metabolic stability and regulatory hurdles, are addressed. Innovative formulation strategies, such as the use of nanocarriers, are explored to improve the stability, safety, and efficacy of AMPs. Overall, AMPs offer promising alternatives to standard therapies and are expected to play a significant role in combating antimicrobial resistance.Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are short, positively charged peptides found in various life forms, from microorganisms to humans. They have the ability to kill microbial pathogens directly or indirectly by modulating the host's immune response. With the increasing resistance to conventional antibiotics, there is a growing interest in developing AMPs as novel therapeutic agents. This review provides an overview of the biological role, classification, and mode of action of AMPs, discusses the opportunities and challenges in their clinical development, and reviews innovative formulation strategies for AMPs. AMPs are evolutionary conserved and play a crucial role in innate immunity, protecting hosts against infections. They exhibit a broad range of antimicrobial activity and immunomodulatory properties. The membrane disruption and intracellular targeting mechanisms of AMPs are discussed, highlighting their selectivity and efficiency in killing bacteria. The review also covers the potential of AMPs as therapeutic agents, including their use in anti-infective and immunomodulatory applications. Challenges in developing AMPs for clinical use, such as low metabolic stability and regulatory hurdles, are addressed. Innovative formulation strategies, such as the use of nanocarriers, are explored to improve the stability, safety, and efficacy of AMPs. Overall, AMPs offer promising alternatives to standard therapies and are expected to play a significant role in combating antimicrobial resistance.