I was participating in the opBNB Odyssey Campaign when I came across a multi-chain bridge where one can transfer Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) across different networks.
It is actually pretty interesting that such an application exists but it is no surprise because innovation and developments are nonstop in this world, more so and a lot faster in the crypto space. As different networks come out, the need for them to seamlessly interact with each other also arises.
Exploring further, I learned that the bridge is a project by Polyhedra Network.
Brief Intro to Polyhedra Network
According to its webpage, it is a project that aims to build and bring interoperability, scalability, and privacy between different blockchains with cutting-edge zero-knowledge proof systems."¹
Through its zkBridge Protocol, it provides trustless and highly-efficient interoperability solutions for asset transfers, message passing, and data sharing between various Web2 and Web3 ecosystems.²
zkBridge Protocol
zkBridge is "the first trustless, efficient, and secure cross-chain interoperability protocol."³
It uses "zero-knowledge succinct non-interactive arguments of knowledge (zkSNARKs) to allow a prover to convince the receiver chain that a certain state transition occurred on the sender chain."⁴
The supported networks by the protocol include Polygon, Ethereum, BNB Chain, Optimism, Arbitrum, Avalanche, Celo, CoreDAO, and Fantom just to name a few.
There are various products within the zkBridge Protocol, re:
zkNFT Transfer
This enables users to seamlessly, securely, and efficiently move or transfer their NFTs from one supported blockchain to another.
Both the Mainnet Alpha and Testnet are live but users are cautioned not to transfer valuable digital assets through the bridge. It may still have some bugs and there's a risk of one losing his asset.
I did test the NFT bridge after minting a COMBO Mystery Box. The transfer process was pretty simple, although it requires knowing the NFT's smart contract address and the NFT ID.
I think this bridge could be a good medium to the transfer various NFTs if will continue to work seamlessly between chains.
Greenfield zkMessenger
This feature "allows safe and effective messaging exposure through multiple blockchain networks, with the combined power of the BNB Greenfield and zkBridge protocols."⁵
Users can send (and receive) long messages including attachments (Web 3 Emails) between other chains, just as easily and conveniently as using email services.⁶
I'm yet to explore this feature but will share about it and update this post once I do.
zkLightClient on LayerZero
This is for developers. It allows them to "easily build cross-chain applications on top of LayerZero through its extensive developer tooling and community support."⁷
Polyhedra’s zkLightClient technology is fully integrated with LayerZero's messaging protocol, so application developers can use zero-knowledge-proof technology without barriers.⁸
Conclusion
Various applications, platforms, protocols, and more are popping up everywhere nowadays. Blockchains have truly opened up a whole new world, yeah?
The zkBridge is one of the latest protocols that I think is another fantastic development. The fact that one can transfer NFT from one chain to another is quite exciting.
Additionally, being able to send Web 3 emails (long messages with attachments) through the zkMessenger is another level, isn't it? Could this one day be able to replace traditional emailing services or channels that most of us use nowadays?
That we shall discover in the next few years, or perhaps soon?
[For infotainment only. Info Sources: zkBridge / Medium / Polyhedra Network]
Lead image created on Canva. Logo from zkBridge. Screenshots linked directly to their sources. No copyright infringement intended. 19082023/10:40ph