Network node for securing physical items using cryptograhic data structures

A network node for security using cryptographic data structures, the network node comprising:

• a processor;
• and
• a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, are configured to cause the network node to:
• receive, from a first entity, a cryptographic data structure configured to identify a physical item stored in a secured physical location that encloses the physical item, wherein the cryptographic data structure is a non-fungible token that stores one or more attributes describing the physical item;
• in response to receiving the cryptographic data structure, transmit to the first entity a plurality of fungible cryptographic items, wherein the plurality of fungible cryptographic items are fungible tokens that are associated with the non-fungible token and the physical item, and the fungible tokens are configured to be held and transferred between different entities and, when held by a single entity, collectively represent a right of access to the physical item;
• secure the cryptographic data structure on a public data structure, the public data structure being a distributed ledger in a decentralized network, such that the cryptographic data structure cannot be released from the public data structure unless the plurality of fungible cryptographic items are received;
• receive, from a second entity that is different from the first entity, the plurality of fungible cryptographic items after the second entity obtained the plurality of fungible cryptographic items from one or more of the different entities;
• and
• in response to receiving the plurality of fungible cryptographic items, transmit to the second entity the cryptographic data structure, the cryptographic data structure being configured to be used by the second entity as a security credential to retrieve the physical item from the secured physical location enclosing the physical item.