The review discusses the emerging role of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as potential alternatives to antibiotics, addressing their structure, physicochemical properties, and mechanisms of action. AMPs, found in all life forms, exhibit broad inhibitory effects against various pathogens and are part of the innate immune system. The review highlights the importance of AMPs in combating antibiotic resistance, particularly through their ability to target bacterial cell membranes and disrupt their integrity. Recent studies have explored the use of AMPs in wound healing, cancer therapy, and cosmetic applications, emphasizing their immunomodulatory properties. However, challenges such as instability, poor absorption, and toxicity limit their clinical application. To address these issues, researchers are developing strategies to enhance AMPs' stability, selectivity, and therapeutic efficacy through chemical modifications, bioengineering, and the integration of biomaterials. The review also discusses the application of AMPs in biomaterials, including surface-based, particle-based, and 3D-printed applications, highlighting their potential in medical devices and personalized medicine. Despite the promising prospects, further research is needed to overcome limitations and ensure the broader adoption of AMP-based therapies.The review discusses the emerging role of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as potential alternatives to antibiotics, addressing their structure, physicochemical properties, and mechanisms of action. AMPs, found in all life forms, exhibit broad inhibitory effects against various pathogens and are part of the innate immune system. The review highlights the importance of AMPs in combating antibiotic resistance, particularly through their ability to target bacterial cell membranes and disrupt their integrity. Recent studies have explored the use of AMPs in wound healing, cancer therapy, and cosmetic applications, emphasizing their immunomodulatory properties. However, challenges such as instability, poor absorption, and toxicity limit their clinical application. To address these issues, researchers are developing strategies to enhance AMPs' stability, selectivity, and therapeutic efficacy through chemical modifications, bioengineering, and the integration of biomaterials. The review also discusses the application of AMPs in biomaterials, including surface-based, particle-based, and 3D-printed applications, highlighting their potential in medical devices and personalized medicine. Despite the promising prospects, further research is needed to overcome limitations and ensure the broader adoption of AMP-based therapies.