# MEV-driven Spam Fundamentally Limits Blockchain Scaling, Requiring New Auction Designs ∞ Research

**Published:** 2025-09-16
**Categories:** Research

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![A close-up view reveals a sophisticated, dark metallic circuit board, featuring integrated components with intricate silver detailing and fin-like structures. Bright blue glowing pathways illuminate the board, signifying active data flow and energy transmission within a high-performance computational system](https://incrypthos.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/advanced-dlt-hardware-cryptographic-processing-unit-visualized.jpeg)

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## Briefing

This paper rigorously demonstrates that [Maximal Extractable Value](https://incrypthos.com/news/maximal-extractable-value/) (MEV) through rampant onchain searching, or “spam,” constitutes the primary economic bottleneck for blockchain scaling, consuming over 50% of gas on high-throughput networks. It proposes a novel MEV auction design incorporating programmable privacy and explicit bidding to mitigate this systemic inefficiency. This new theoretical framework asserts that optimizing blockspace utilization, rather than merely increasing raw throughput, is paramount for realizing genuine scaling benefits and fostering equitable decentralized systems. The ultimate implication is a fundamental shift in blockchain architecture towards MEV-aware resource allocation.

![The image displays two interconnected, futuristic, white and grey oval-shaped objects, showcasing intricate blue glowing internal circuitry. These primary elements are sharply in focus, while a blurred background reveals more similar, glowing blue components, suggesting a vast network](https://incrypthos.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/decentralized-network-protocol-cryptographic-hashing-immutable-blockchain-linkage.jpeg)

## Context

Prior to this research, the prevailing discourse around blockchain scalability centered on technical throughput enhancements such as sharding, rollups, and consensus optimizations. The assumption was that increasing raw capacity would directly translate into lower fees and greater utility for users. However, the pervasive economic forces of MEV were largely considered a secondary concern, primarily impacting [transaction ordering](https://incrypthos.com/news/transaction-ordering/) fairness rather than overall network capacity.

![A detailed close-up reveals an array of sophisticated silver and blue mechanical modules, interconnected by various wires and metallic rods, suggesting a high-tech processing assembly. The components are arranged in a dense, organized fashion, highlighting precision engineering and functional integration within a larger system](https://incrypthos.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/modular-dlt-infrastructure-high-throughput-transaction-processing-unit.jpeg)

## Analysis

The core insight identifies a “spam auction” where searchers blindly probe for MEV opportunities on-chain, consuming vast amounts of gas due to transaction expressivity, private mempools, cheap fees, and the absence of efficient bidding mechanisms. The proposed solution involves two complementary components. Programmable privacy, often facilitated by [Trusted Execution Environments](https://incrypthos.com/research/distill-the-papers-core-thesis-into-a-clear-declarative-statement-focus-on-the-new-concept-and-its-significance-8-12-words-maximum-do-not-use-a-period-draft-ethereum-execution-tickets/) (TEEs), grants searchers necessary visibility into transaction flow while verifiably restricting frontrunning or data leakage.

Concurrently, explicit bidding allows searchers to directly compete for precise transaction inclusion and ordering, moving beyond wasteful gas consumption as the proxy for preference. This fundamentally shifts MEV extraction from an inefficient, congesting process to a structured, resource-optimized market.

![The image showcases a detailed arrangement of reflective silver and deep blue geometric forms, interconnected by smooth metallic conduits. These abstract components create a visually complex, high-tech structure against a dark background](https://incrypthos.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/web3-infrastructure-modules-interconnected-for-distributed-consensus-protocol.jpeg)

## Parameters

- **Core Concept** ∞ MEV as [Scaling](https://incrypthos.com/news/scaling/) Limit

- **New System/Protocol** ∞ [Programmable Privacy](https://incrypthos.com/news/programmable-privacy/), Explicit Bidding

- **Key Authors** ∞ Robert Miller (Flashbots)

- **Empirical Evidence** ∞ OP-Stack Rollup Data

- **Proposed Technology** ∞ Trusted [Execution Environments](https://incrypthos.com/research/distill-the-papers-core-thesis-into-a-clear-declarative-statement-focus-on-the-new-concept-and-its-significance-8-12-words-maximum-do-not-use-a-period-draft-ethereum-execution-tickets/) (TEEs)

![The image displays a close-up of a futuristic, dark metallic electronic component, featuring intricate circuit board designs, layered panels, and numerous interconnected cables and conduits. Blue internal lighting highlights the complex internal structure and connections, emphasizing its advanced technological nature](https://incrypthos.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/advanced-blockchain-node-hardware-for-decentralized-network-infrastructure.jpeg)

## Outlook

This research reorients the scaling roadmap, emphasizing efficient [blockspace utilization](https://incrypthos.com/tech/solana-network-extensions-enable-unified-application-specific-blockspace/) over raw throughput. Future work will refine programmable privacy mechanisms and explore the optimal design of explicit MEV auctions, considering the inherent trade-offs with block times. This theoretical shift promises to unlock novel decentralized applications requiring abundant, low-cost blockspace, fostering a more equitable and performant on-chain environment for all participants.

![A sleek, futuristic metallic device features prominent transparent blue tubes, glowing with intricate digital patterns that resemble data flow. These illuminated conduits are integrated into a robust silver-grey structure, suggesting a complex, high-tech system](https://incrypthos.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/blockchain-architecture-visualizing-decentralized-data-flow-cryptographic-protocol-integration.jpeg)

## Verdict

**This paper delivers a foundational re-evaluation of [blockchain scaling](https://incrypthos.com/news/blockchain-scaling/), unequivocally establishing MEV as a critical economic constraint demanding immediate architectural re-design for true progress.**

Signal Acquired from ∞ <a href="https://writings.flashbots.net/mev-and-the-limits-of-scaling?utm_source=incrypthos.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=noo-engine.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">flashbots.net</a>

## Glossary

<a href="https://incrypthos.com/news/maximal-extractable-value/" class="glossary-item-box">

## maximal extractable value 

Definition ∞ Maximal Extractable Value (MEV) refers to the profit that can be obtained by block producers by strategically including, excluding, or reordering transactions within a block they are creating. </a><a href="https://incrypthos.com/news/transaction-ordering/" class="glossary-item-box">

## transaction ordering 

Definition ∞ Transaction Ordering refers to the process by which transactions are arranged into a specific sequence before being included in a block on a blockchain. </a><a href="https://incrypthos.com/research/distill-the-papers-core-thesis-into-a-clear-declarative-statement-focus-on-the-new-concept-and-its-significance-8-12-words-maximum-do-not-use-a-period-draft-ethereum-execution-tickets/" class="glossary-item-box">

## trusted execution environments 

**: Single sentence, maximum 130 characters, core research breakthrough. </a><a href="https://incrypthos.com/news/scaling/" class="glossary-item-box">

## scaling 

Definition ∞ Scaling, in the context of blockchain technology, refers to the process of enhancing a network's capacity to handle increased transaction volume and user demand. </a><a href="https://incrypthos.com/news/programmable-privacy/" class="glossary-item-box">

## programmable privacy 

Definition ∞ Programmable privacy refers to the ability to control and define the level of confidentiality associated with data or transactions. </a><a href="https://incrypthos.com/research/distill-the-papers-core-thesis-into-a-clear-declarative-statement-focus-on-the-new-concept-and-its-significance-8-12-words-maximum-do-not-use-a-period-draft-ethereum-execution-tickets/" class="glossary-item-box">

## execution environments 

**: Single sentence, maximum 130 characters, core research breakthrough. </a><a href="https://incrypthos.com/tech/solana-network-extensions-enable-unified-application-specific-blockspace/" class="glossary-item-box">

## blockspace utilization 

Solana introduces modular, L1-integrated network extensions, providing bespoke execution environments that enhance specialization without fragmenting core liquidity. </a><a href="https://incrypthos.com/news/blockchain-scaling/" class="glossary-item-box">

## blockchain scaling 

Definition ∞ Blockchain Scaling addresses the challenge of increasing a blockchain network's capacity to handle a greater volume of transactions without compromising its core principles. </a>

**Tags:** [Explicit Auctions](https://incrypthos.com/news/explicit-auctions/), [Blockchain](https://incrypthos.com/news/blockchain/), [Throughput](https://incrypthos.com/news/throughput/), [Trusted Execution](https://incrypthos.com/news/trusted-execution/), [Private Mempools](https://incrypthos.com/news/private-mempools/), [Spam Bots](https://incrypthos.com/news/spam-bots/)	

## Discover More

- 
### [Solana Introduces Network Extensions for Application-Specific Blockspace](https://incrypthos.com/tech/solana-introduces-network-extensions-for-application-specific-blockspace/)
![A prominent Bitcoin BTC digital asset, rendered as a metallic coin with the iconic 'B' symbol, is centrally positioned on a sophisticated dark blue printed circuit board. This visual metaphor represents the intersection of physical hardware and decentralized finance DeFi infrastructure. The intricate blue concentric patterns on the coin's surface suggest cryptographic hash functions and the underlying blockchain's distributed ledger technology DLT. Surrounding components resemble Application-Specific Integrated Circuit ASIC mining hardware, crucial for proof-of-work consensus and transaction validation, emphasizing network security and the immutable ledger.](https://incrypthos.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/bitcoin-digital-asset-decentralized-finance-asic-mining-hardware-circuitry.jpeg)

Solana's network extensions enable bespoke execution environments directly integrated with Layer 1, delivering specialized capabilities for diverse applications.

- 
### [Solana Alpenglow Upgrade Delivers Millisecond Transaction Finality](https://incrypthos.com/tech/solana-alpenglow-upgrade-delivers-millisecond-transaction-finality/)
![Sleek metallic hardware unit features translucent conduits showcasing active blockchain architecture data streams. Luminous blue tokenized data flows through intricate channels, symbolizing decentralized ledger operations and smart contract execution. This advanced node infrastructure emphasizes data integrity and cryptographic hash functions within a secure enclave. The design suggests robust transaction validation and network throughput essential for Web3 hardware and DeFi infrastructure, ensuring immutable record keeping.](https://incrypthos.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/decentralized-ledger-hardware-interoperability-protocol-architecture.jpeg)

This protocol re-engineering dramatically compresses transaction finality to 150 milliseconds, establishing a foundational layer for real-time, high-throughput decentralized applications.

- 
### [Enhancing Blockchain Privacy and Scalability with Advanced ZK-SNARK Protocols](https://incrypthos.com/research/enhancing-blockchain-privacy-and-scalability-with-advanced-zk-snark-protocols/)
![A close-up view reveals a complex, high-tech infrastructure, featuring interconnected blue and silver components. This intricate network represents the foundational blockchain architecture supporting distributed ledger technology DLT. Smooth conduits and modular units illustrate node infrastructure and data integrity pathways, crucial for transaction validation. The design suggests advanced interoperability protocols facilitating cross-chain communication and efficient smart contract execution. This system embodies the robust framework required for decentralized autonomous organizations DAOs and digital asset management, ensuring secure cryptographic hashing and scalability solutions within a Web3 ecosystem.](https://incrypthos.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/dlt-node-interoperability-protocol-data-flow-architecture.jpeg)

This research advances zero-knowledge proofs, offering new cryptographic designs to fundamentally improve privacy and scaling for decentralized systems.

- 
### [Boundless Protocol Launches Mainnet with Universal ZK Proving Layer](https://incrypthos.com/web3/boundless-protocol-launches-mainnet-with-universal-zk-proving-layer/)
![A glowing blue faceted crystal, possibly a digital asset or non-fungible token NFT, emerges from soft white cloud-like textures. This visual metaphor highlights the intrinsic value of a blockchain token. The crystal's luminescence suggests active network participation, perhaps proof-of-stake validation or a genesis block. Surrounding elements could represent data liquidity pools or decentralized autonomous organization DAO governance. The intricate structure signifies cryptographic security and immutable ledger integrity within Web3 infrastructure.](https://incrypthos.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/blockchain-asset-visualization-tokenomics-digital-scarcity-representation.jpeg)

Boundless introduces a novel Proof of Verifiable Work mechanism, positioning itself as a foundational layer for scalable and interoperable Web3 computation.

- 
### [Boundless Mainnet Activates Universal Zero-Knowledge Proving Layer](https://incrypthos.com/tech/boundless-mainnet-activates-universal-zero-knowledge-proving-layer/)
![A blue, segmented, hexagonal chain-like structure intricately overlays a dark, high-tech circuit board. This visual metaphor represents a blockchain's interconnected nodes within a distributed ledger network. The underlying circuitry symbolizes the foundational cryptographic infrastructure supporting transaction validation and immutable record keeping. Each segment could signify a block containing digital assets or smart contract data, secured by a consensus mechanism. This visual emphasizes the decentralized and peer-to-peer nature of Web3 ecosystems.](https://incrypthos.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/blockchain-network-architecture-illustrating-decentralized-ledger-technology.jpeg)

The Boundless protocol introduces a universal verifiable compute layer, fundamentally transforming blockchain scalability and computational economics.

- 
### [Ethereum EIP-4844 Enhances L2 Scalability and Reduces Transaction Costs](https://incrypthos.com/tech/ethereum-eip-4844-enhances-l2-scalability-and-reduces-transaction-costs/)
![A gleaming, three-dimensional metallic emblem, predominantly silver and deep blue, floats centrally against a blurred, monochromatic background. Its intricate design features layered, interlocking "S" shapes, suggesting complex blockchain architecture and decentralized ledger systems. The polished surfaces reflect light, highlighting its robust cryptographic security and data integrity. This visual metaphorically represents a sophisticated DeFi protocol or Layer 2 scaling solution, emphasizing network consensus and transaction finality. The emblem's structure evokes sharding or sidechain mechanisms, crucial for scalability and efficient digital asset management within a Web3 infrastructure.](https://incrypthos.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/smart-contract-layer-2-scaling-solution-tokenomics-visual.jpeg)

EIP-4844 fundamentally rearchitects data availability, enabling cost-efficient L2 operations and positioning Ethereum as a robust global settlement layer.

- 
### [Zkfuzz: Robust Zero-Knowledge Circuit Verification through Fuzzing](https://incrypthos.com/research/zkfuzz-robust-zero-knowledge-circuit-verification-through-fuzzing/)
![A sophisticated, translucent blue network structure dominates, depicting intricate pathways for digital asset transfer. Metallic cylindrical connectors, some featuring helical wraps, secure the junctions, symbolizing robust cryptographic primitives and secure protocol interconnections. Within the main transparent conduit, a vibrant blue fluid suggests active transaction flow and data packets moving between decentralized network nodes. This abstract visualization underscores the complex infrastructure supporting blockchain operations, highlighting liquidity pathways and the underlying consensus mechanism essential for scalable and interoperable smart contracts.](https://incrypthos.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/decentralized-network-architecture-visualizing-blockchain-data-flow.jpeg)

zkFuzz formalizes zero-knowledge circuit vulnerabilities and employs novel fuzzing to enhance cryptographic system integrity.

- 
### [Formalizing MEV: Foundations for Secure Blockchain Mechanism Design](https://incrypthos.com/research/formalizing-mev-foundations-for-secure-blockchain-mechanism-design/)
![A sleek, translucent blue hardware device features a prominent metallic authentication button, suggesting robust digital asset security. Intricate, luminous blue patterns flow within the device's chassis, visually representing real-time blockchain data propagation and transaction validation. This secure enclave likely facilitates private key management and multi-signature approvals for decentralized finance DeFi protocols. Its design emphasizes tamper-evident cold storage, crucial for safeguarding cryptocurrency holdings and enabling secure dApp interactions. The interface could support biometric authentication for enhanced user access control.](https://incrypthos.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/secure-hardware-wallet-biometric-authentication-for-digital-asset-management.jpeg)

This research formalizes Maximal Extractable Value, providing a rigorous framework for understanding and mitigating systemic blockchain vulnerabilities.

- 
### [Solana Enhances Network Capacity, Explores Six-Second Block Times](https://incrypthos.com/tech/solana-enhances-network-capacity-explores-six-second-block-times/)
![Two white, textured, modular components are shown connecting, revealing intricate internal mechanisms. A central cubic unit aligns with a larger block, while a similar mechanism is visible within another block. Both exposed interfaces feature metallic gears meshed with numerous translucent blue, crystalline-like cubic elements. This visual metaphor illustrates a modular blockchain architecture facilitating interoperability via a cross-chain bridge. The crystalline elements represent tokenized utility or digital assets processed by a decentralized consensus mechanism. This setup suggests network orchestration for scalable throughput and transaction finality within a distributed ledger technology ecosystem, vital for corporate crypto and dApp functionality.](https://incrypthos.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/modular-blockchain-interoperability-mechanism-tokenized-asset-transfer.jpeg)

The protocol architecturally scales transaction throughput via increased Compute Unit limits and evaluates a shift to six-second block times, optimizing execution layer efficiency.

**Tags:** [Blockchain](https://incrypthos.com/news/blockchain/), [Blockchain Scaling](https://incrypthos.com/news/blockchain-scaling/), [Economic Limits](https://incrypthos.com/news/economic-limits/), [Explicit Auctions](https://incrypthos.com/news/explicit-auctions/), [Maximal Extractable Value](https://incrypthos.com/news/maximal-extractable-value/), [Private Mempools](https://incrypthos.com/news/private-mempools/), [Programmable Privacy](https://incrypthos.com/news/programmable-privacy/), [Resource Efficiency](https://incrypthos.com/news/resource-efficiency/), [Scaling](https://incrypthos.com/news/scaling/), [Spam Bots](https://incrypthos.com/news/spam-bots/), [Throughput](https://incrypthos.com/news/throughput/), [Transaction Ordering](https://incrypthos.com/news/transaction-ordering/), [Trusted Execution](https://incrypthos.com/news/trusted-execution/)

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**Original URL:** https://incrypthos.com/research/mev-driven-spam-fundamentally-limits-blockchain-scaling-requiring-new-auction-designs/
