• Cross-chain bridges enable blockchain interoperability, facilitating secure asset transfers and data sharing across Ethereum, Solana, and Polygon, driving DeFi and NFT ecosystem growth in 2025.

  • Wormhole, a leading cross-chain bridge, supports 35+ chains, processing $60B in transactions, but past hacks highlight the need for robust security audits.

  • Cross-chain bridges like Synapse and Multichain enhance DeFi and NFT applications, with emerging ZKP and MPC technologies improving security and efficiency in 2025.

In the booming development of blockchain technology in 2025, cross-chain bridges, as a core technology enabling interconnection between different blockchain networks, have become a pillar of the Web3 ecosystem.

 

Whether it’s asset flow in decentralized finance (DeFi) or cross-chain trading of non-fungible tokens (NFTs), cross-chain bridges break the barriers between blockchains such as Ethereum, Binance Smart Chain, and Solana through secure and efficient mechanisms. This allows users and developers to seamlessly transfer assets, data, or call functions across networks.

 

Source:Defillama

 

Cross-chain bridges not only optimize user experience but also provide developers with a broad space to build multi-chain applications. For example, users can transfer ETH from Ethereum to Polygon to enjoy low-cost transactions, or trade NFTs on Solana to benefit from its high throughput. However, security and technical complexity remain challenges that cross-chain bridges must face.

 

 

HOW CROSS-CHAIN BRIDGES ENABLE BLOCKCHAIN INTEROPERABILITY

 

Operating Mechanism of Cross-chain bridges

 

Cross-chain bridges implement cross-chain interaction of assets and data through a process known as “lock–mint–burn–release.” Taking asset transfer as an example, users lock assets in a smart contract on the source chain (such as Ethereum), making them temporarily unusable. The cross-chain bridge then verifies the validity of the locking operation via decentralized validators, oracles, or multi-signature mechanisms.

 

Source:Defillama

 

Once the locking is verified, an equivalent amount of tokens (such as WETH) is minted on the target chain (e.g., Polygon). When the user wants to return the assets to the source chain, the tokens on the target chain are burned, and the assets on the source chain are unlocked. This mechanism ensures the security and transparency of cross-chain operations while minimizing reliance on centralized intermediaries.

 

Different cross-chain bridges implement this mechanism differently. For instance, Wormhole uses a decentralized validator network, while Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC) relies on centralized custody. Despite the differences, this core logic lays the foundation for interoperability in a multi-chain ecosystem.

 

Types and Characteristics of Cross-chain bridges

 

Cross-chain bridges can be categorized based on their degree of decentralization and design goals. Centralized bridges, such as WBTC, rely on trusted third parties (like BitGo) to map Bitcoin to Ethereum. These are simple to operate but carry risks such as single points of failure.

 

Decentralized bridges, such as Wormhole or Chainlink’s Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP), achieve interoperation through smart contracts or validator networks. They offer higher security but involve greater technical complexity.

 

Hybrid bridges like Multichain combine multi-signature setups and decentralized nodes, balancing efficiency and security.

 

Additionally, ecosystems like Polkadot and Cosmos provide native cross-chain functions through built-in relay chains or the IBC protocol, supporting more extensive cross-chain interaction.

 

Users need to choose the appropriate bridge solution based on their needs. For instance, DeFi users may prioritize decentralized bridges to ensure security, while NFT traders may prefer user-friendly centralized bridges for easier operations.

 

 

APPLICATIONS OF CROSS-CHAIN BRIDGES IN THE BLOCKCHAIN ECOSYSTEM

 

Cross-chain bridges Empowering DeFi and NFT

 

The application of cross-chain bridges in the DeFi and NFT fields has significantly promoted the integration of blockchain ecosystems. In DeFi, users can use cross-chain bridges to transfer assets from high-cost chains like Ethereum to lower-cost chains such as Polygon or Arbitrum, and participate in lending, liquidity mining, or DEX trading—greatly reducing gas fees.

 

For example, Polygon’s PoS Bridge allows users to quickly transfer ETH or USDT into its ecosystem and enjoy low transaction costs.

 

In the NFT space, cross-chain bridges enable NFTs to move and trade across different chains. Artists can mint NFTs on Ethereum and then bridge them to Solana to utilize its high-speed and low-cost advantages for selling. This flexibility not only enhances the user experience but also drives the global development of the multi-chain ecosystem, providing momentum for innovation in DeFi and NFT.

 

Multi-Chain Collaboration and Data Sharing

 

The use of cross-chain bridges is not limited to asset transfers; it also extends to multi-chain collaboration and data sharing. Developers can build decentralized applications (DApps) that combine the strengths of multiple blockchains—such as a lending platform that uses Ethereum smart contracts and Solana’s high performance.

 

Cross-chain bridges also support the transfer of data between blockchains, such as decentralized identity verification or the sharing of cross-chain governance information. For instance, Polkadot’s XCMP protocol and Cosmos’s IBC protocol enable message passing between chains through relay chains, allowing different blockchains to collaborate.

 

This capability lays a solid foundation for the overall development of the Web3 ecosystem. Developers can use cross-chain bridges to create more complex and interoperable applications, unlocking the full potential of blockchain technology.

 

 

ANALYSIS OF LEADING CROSS-CHAIN BRIDGE PROJECTS — Wormhole

 

Wormhole is one of the leading cross-chain bridges, supporting over 35 chains including Ethereum, Solana, Polygon, and Binance Smart Chain. It facilitates asset and NFT transfers, as well as cross-chain message delivery.

 

As of 2025, Wormhole has processed more than $60 billion in cross-chain transaction volume and is widely used in DeFi and NFT ecosystems. It ensures security through a decentralized validator network and supports interoperability with non-EVM chains, making it a preferred choice for multi-chain applications.

 

In June 2025, Wormhole announced a partnership with Ripple to provide core interoperability support for the XRP Ledger (XRPL) and its EVM-compatible sidechain—connecting over 35 chains and significantly enhancing XRPL’s competitiveness in DeFi and institutional finance.

 

In addition, Wormhole’s NTT (Native Token Transfer) framework was extended to the Sui blockchain, and in collaboration with Momentum DEX, it introduced over $3 billion in asset liquidity. These updates further reinforce Wormhole’s leading position in the multi-chain ecosystem.

 

However, users should also be aware of security concerns. In 2022, Wormhole suffered a $320 million hack, reminding users of the importance of regular audits and security checks.

 

 

CROSS-CHAIN BRIDGES: A CORE INFRASTRUCTURE FOR WEB3

 

As a core technology for blockchain interoperability, cross-chain bridges are reshaping the Web3 ecosystem and creating limitless possibilities for users and developers. They enable the free flow of assets across chains like Ethereum, Solana, and Polygon, driving cost optimization in DeFi, cross-chain trading of NFTs, and innovations in decentralized identity and governance.

 

  • Wormhole expands its ecosystem influence through partnerships with Ripple and Sui.

  • Synapse Protocol attracts DeFi users with its user-friendly design and high-yield strategies.

  • Multichain serves diverse needs with its wide support for various chains.

 

However, the complexity of cross-chain bridges also makes them prime targets for hacker attacks. In 2022, both Wormhole and the Ronin bridge suffered security incidents resulting in the loss of $320 million and $600 million respectively—highlighting the importance of protocol auditing and defense mechanisms.

 

Looking ahead, emerging technologies such as zero-knowledge proofs (ZKP) and multi-party computation (MPC) will greatly improve the security and efficiency of cross-chain bridges. Standardized protocols like Cosmos IBC and Polkadot XCMP will drive the widespread adoption of cross-chain interoperability, while simpler user interfaces will lower the barriers for mainstream users.

 

Cross-chain bridges are not just links between chains—they are the foundational infrastructure of the Web3 ecosystem. When choosing a bridge, users should prioritize those that are heavily audited and widely supported by the community, such as Wormhole, Synapse, or Multichain. They should also consider transaction fees and chain support range.

 

Staying up to date with 2025’s latest technology trends and selecting reliable cross-chain bridges will be a key step in joining the Web3 ecosystem—leading the blockchain industry toward a more open and interconnected future.

 

〈Why Cross-Chain Bridges Matter in 2025?〉這篇文章最早發佈於《CoinRank》。