Scaffolds play a crucial role in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine by providing a supportive framework for tissue regeneration. In recent years, the integration of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) into scaffolds has emerged as a promising approach to enhance the antimicrobial properties of these constructs. By incorporating AMPs into scaffolds, researchers aim to prevent infections that may hinder successful tissue regeneration. The scaffolds serve as three-dimensional templates for cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation in tissue engineering. They mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM) and provide structural support to regenerate damaged tissues. However, scaffolds alone are vulnerable to microbial colonization, which can lead to infections and impede the healing process. The incorporation of AMPs into scaffolds offers a synergistic approach by combining the regenerative capabilities of the scaffold with the antimicrobial properties of AMPs. Covalent attachment, physical adsorption, electrostatic interactions, and peptide amphiphiles are among the techniques utilized to ensure the retention and sustained release of AMPs from the scaffold structure. These strategies aim to maintain an effective concentration of AMPs at the scaffold-tissue interface, preventing microbial colonization without compromising cell viability or function. Antimicrobial peptide-based scaffolds offer several advantages over traditional scaffolds in tissue engineering. Firstly, they provide a controlled release of AMPs, ensuring a localized antimicrobial effect while minimizing systemic exposure. Secondly, AMPs can be tailored to exhibit selective antimicrobial activity, targeting specific pathogens without disrupting the commensal microbiota. Additionally, the incorporation of AMPs into scaffolds can facilitate faster wound healing, reduce the risk of post-operative infections, and enhance the success of tissue regeneration procedures. In skin tissue engineering, they have been employed to combat wound infections and promote re-epithelialization. Also, AMP-based scaffolds show potential in addressing chronic wounds, where infections can severely impede healing progress. Dermaseptin-S4 (S4) and its analogues have been studied for their potent antimicrobial activity and have been investigated as scaffolds for the development of novel AMP-based scaffolds[
73]. Similarly thanatin has been used as a scaffold for the development of peptide-based scaffolds with enhanced antimicrobial activity and stability[
74]. Ib-AMPs (Insect-derived antimicrobial peptides) are a diverse group of AMPs found in insects. Various ib-AMPs have been studied and used as scaffolds for the development of antimicrobial peptide-based scaffolds. LL-37 has also been used as a scaffold to design novel AMP-based scaffolds with enhanced antimicrobial activity and tissue injury healing [
75]. LLKKK18, an engineered variant of the LL-37 peptide, designed to enhance its antimicrobial potency. It has been utilized in wound healing scaffolds for its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity [
76].Similarly DPK-060, a synthetic antimicrobial peptide has been incorporated into wound healing scaffolds [
77,
78].Another example of AMPs that are used in scaffolds include SMAP-29 (Sheep myeloid antimicrobial peptide 29).SMAP-29 due to its strong antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungi can be used in wound healing scaffolds[
78]. Abdel-Sayed et al. revealed the capacity of polycationic dendrimers to exert anti-angiogenic effects on burn wounds. They synthesized peptide dendrimers with three generations using amino acid residues L-lysine (G3KL) and L-arginine (G3R) distributed within the branches, resulting in two antimicrobial polycationic dendrimers (AMPDs). These AMPDs, specifically G3KL and G3R, were safely employed in combination with biological bandages comprising progenitor skin cells. This innovative approach effectively thwarted
Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections and significantly enhanced wound healing in keratinocytes and endothelial cells. [
79].MSI-78, a Magainin 2 analog also possesses antimicrobial activity and has been used in wound healing scaffolds for its antimicrobial properties [
80]. Wang and colleagues explored the formation of nanoparticles using MSI-78 and methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(α-glutamic acid). Their findings indicated a reduction in the hemolytic activity of the peptide on human red blood cells within the nanoparticle structure, while the peptide's antibacterial effectiveness remained intact.[
81]. With continued advancements in this field, antimicrobial peptide-based scaffolds have the potential to revolutionize the field of tissue engineering, facilitating the development of safer and more effective therapeutic strategies for tissue regeneration.