diff --git a/.flake8 b/.flake8
index 5a5da222a47..a36f40f6b51 100644
--- a/.flake8
+++ b/.flake8
@@ -1,5 +1,4 @@
 [flake8]
-jobs = auto 
 max-line-length = 120
 select=E901,E999,F821,F822,F823,I100,I101,I201,I202,T001,T002,T003,T004
 ignore=E203,W503,C0330
diff --git a/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/conftest.py b/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/conftest.py
index 12c350d11ec..77450ff57d4 100644
--- a/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/conftest.py
+++ b/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/conftest.py
@@ -2,15 +2,18 @@
 from pathlib import Path
 from unittest.mock import Mock
 
-import pytest
 from aiohttp import web
-from pony.orm import db_session
 
-from ipv8.database import database_blob
 from ipv8.keyvault.private.libnaclkey import LibNaCLSK
 from ipv8.util import succeed
+
+from pony.orm import db_session
+
+import pytest
+
 from tribler_common.network_utils import NetworkUtils
 from tribler_common.simpledefs import DLSTATUS_SEEDING
+
 from tribler_core.config.tribler_config import TriblerConfig
 from tribler_core.modules.libtorrent.download import Download
 from tribler_core.modules.libtorrent.download_config import DownloadConfig
@@ -313,6 +316,6 @@ def needle_in_haystack(enable_chant, enable_api, session):  # pylint: disable=un
         _ = session.mds.ChannelMetadata(title='test', tags='test', subscribed=True, infohash=random_infohash())
         for x in range(0, num_hay):
             session.mds.TorrentMetadata(title='hay ' + str(x), infohash=random_infohash())
-        session.mds.TorrentMetadata(title='needle', infohash=database_blob(bytearray(random_infohash())))
-        session.mds.TorrentMetadata(title='needle2', infohash=database_blob(bytearray(random_infohash())))
+        session.mds.TorrentMetadata(title='needle', infohash=random_infohash())
+        session.mds.TorrentMetadata(title='needle2', infohash=random_infohash())
     return session
diff --git a/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/bandwidth_accounting/transaction.py b/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/bandwidth_accounting/transaction.py
index 7639f681265..3b0a4d23bde 100644
--- a/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/bandwidth_accounting/transaction.py
+++ b/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/bandwidth_accounting/transaction.py
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@ def pack(self, signature_a=True, signature_b=True) -> bytes:
         Encode this block for transport.
         :param signature_a: False to pack EMPTY_SIG in the location of signature A, true to pack the signature A field.
         :param signature_b: False to pack EMPTY_SIG in the location of signature B, true to pack the signature B field.
-        :return: the database_blob the data was packed into.
+        :return: bytes object the data was packed into.
         """
         args = [self.sequence_number, self.public_key_a, self.public_key_b,
                 self.signature_a if signature_a else EMPTY_SIGNATURE,
diff --git a/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/community/tests/test_gigachannel_community.py b/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/community/tests/test_gigachannel_community.py
index 48c22d87c01..016a9db785d 100644
--- a/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/community/tests/test_gigachannel_community.py
+++ b/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/community/tests/test_gigachannel_community.py
@@ -3,7 +3,6 @@
 from unittest import mock
 from unittest.mock import Mock, PropertyMock, patch
 
-from ipv8.database import database_blob
 from ipv8.keyvault.crypto import default_eccrypto
 from ipv8.peer import Peer
 from ipv8.test.base import TestBase
@@ -25,7 +24,7 @@
 from tribler_core.utilities.path_util import Path
 from tribler_core.utilities.random_utils import random_infohash
 
-EMPTY_BLOB = database_blob(b"")
+EMPTY_BLOB = b""
 
 # pylint:disable=protected-access
 
diff --git a/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/gigachannel_manager.py b/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/gigachannel_manager.py
index e6c8bea14c9..b476424b44c 100644
--- a/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/gigachannel_manager.py
+++ b/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/gigachannel_manager.py
@@ -1,7 +1,6 @@
 import asyncio
 from asyncio import CancelledError, wait_for
 
-from ipv8.database import database_blob
 from ipv8.taskmanager import TaskManager, task
 
 from pony.orm import db_session
@@ -310,7 +309,7 @@ def updated_my_channel(self, tdef):
         Notify the core that we updated our channel.
         """
         with db_session:
-            my_channel = self.session.mds.ChannelMetadata.get(infohash=database_blob(tdef.get_infohash()))
+            my_channel = self.session.mds.ChannelMetadata.get(infohash=tdef.get_infohash())
         if (
             my_channel
             and my_channel.status == COMMITTED
diff --git a/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/orm_bindings/channel_metadata.py b/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/orm_bindings/channel_metadata.py
index ef8b6cdfbbc..899a3778877 100644
--- a/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/orm_bindings/channel_metadata.py
+++ b/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/orm_bindings/channel_metadata.py
@@ -2,8 +2,6 @@
 from binascii import unhexlify
 from datetime import datetime
 
-from ipv8.database import database_blob
-
 from lz4.frame import LZ4FrameCompressor
 
 from pony import orm
@@ -246,7 +244,7 @@ class ChannelMetadata(db.TorrentMetadata, db.CollectionNode):
         @db_session
         def get_my_channels(cls):
             return ChannelMetadata.select(
-                lambda g: g.origin_id == 0 and g.public_key == database_blob(cls._my_key.pub().key_to_bin()[10:])
+                lambda g: g.origin_id == 0 and g.public_key == cls._my_key.pub().key_to_bin()[10:]
             )
 
         @classmethod
@@ -261,7 +259,7 @@ def create_channel(cls, title, description="", origin_id=0):
             """
             my_channel = cls(
                 origin_id=origin_id,
-                public_key=database_blob(cls._my_key.pub().key_to_bin()[10:]),
+                public_key=cls._my_key.pub().key_to_bin()[10:],
                 title=title,
                 tags=description,
                 subscribed=True,
@@ -447,15 +445,12 @@ def get_channels_by_title(cls, title):
         @classmethod
         @db_session
         def get_channel_with_infohash(cls, infohash):
-            return cls.get(infohash=database_blob(infohash))
+            return cls.get(infohash=infohash)
 
         @classmethod
         @db_session
         def get_recent_channel_with_public_key(cls, public_key):
-            return (
-                cls.select(lambda g: g.public_key == database_blob(public_key)).sort_by(lambda g: desc(g.id_)).first()
-                or None
-            )
+            return cls.select(lambda g: g.public_key == public_key).sort_by(lambda g: desc(g.id_)).first() or None
 
         @classmethod
         @db_session
@@ -487,7 +482,7 @@ def get_updated_channels(cls):
                 if g.subscribed == 1
                 and g.status != LEGACY_ENTRY
                 and (g.local_version < g.timestamp)
-                and g.public_key != database_blob(cls._my_key.pub().key_to_bin()[10:])
+                and g.public_key != cls._my_key.pub().key_to_bin()[10:]
             )  # don't simplify `g.subscribed == 1` to bool form, it is used by partial index!
 
         @property
@@ -553,7 +548,7 @@ def get_channel_name(cls, dl_name, infohash):
 
             if not channel:
                 return dl_name
-            if channel.infohash == database_blob(infohash):
+            if channel.infohash == infohash:
                 return channel.title
             return 'OLD:' + channel.title
 
diff --git a/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/orm_bindings/channel_node.py b/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/orm_bindings/channel_node.py
index a2437872bf2..aaed7b6dd96 100644
--- a/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/orm_bindings/channel_node.py
+++ b/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/orm_bindings/channel_node.py
@@ -1,7 +1,6 @@
 import random
 from datetime import datetime
 
-from ipv8.database import database_blob
 from ipv8.keyvault.crypto import default_eccrypto
 
 from pony import orm
@@ -65,7 +64,7 @@ class ChannelNode(db.Entity):
         reserved_flags = orm.Optional(int, size=16, default=0)
         origin_id = orm.Optional(int, size=64, default=0, index=True)
 
-        public_key = orm.Required(database_blob)
+        public_key = orm.Required(bytes)
         id_ = orm.Required(int, size=64)
         orm.composite_key(public_key, id_)
         orm.composite_index(public_key, origin_id)
@@ -74,7 +73,7 @@ class ChannelNode(db.Entity):
         # Signature is nullable. This means that "None" entries are stored in DB as NULLs instead of empty strings.
         # NULLs are not checked for uniqueness and not indexed.
         # This is necessary to store unsigned signatures without violating the uniqueness constraints.
-        signature = orm.Optional(database_blob, unique=True, nullable=True, default=None)
+        signature = orm.Optional(bytes, unique=True, nullable=True, default=None)
 
         # Local
         added_on = orm.Optional(datetime, default=datetime.utcnow)
@@ -108,7 +107,7 @@ def __init__(self, *args, **kwargs):
             # "sign_with" argument given, sign with it
             private_key_override = None
             if "sign_with" in kwargs:
-                kwargs["public_key"] = database_blob(kwargs["sign_with"].pub().key_to_bin()[10:])
+                kwargs["public_key"] = kwargs["sign_with"].pub().key_to_bin()[10:]
                 private_key_override = kwargs.pop("sign_with")
 
             # Free-for-all entries require special treatment
@@ -140,8 +139,7 @@ def __init__(self, *args, **kwargs):
             if not private_key_override and not skip_key_check:
                 # No key/signature given, sign with our own key.
                 if ("signature" not in kwargs) and (
-                    ("public_key" not in kwargs)
-                    or (kwargs["public_key"] == database_blob(self._my_key.pub().key_to_bin()[10:]))
+                    ("public_key" not in kwargs) or (kwargs["public_key"] == self._my_key.pub().key_to_bin()[10:])
                 ):
                     private_key_override = self._my_key
 
@@ -222,7 +220,7 @@ def to_delete_file(self, filename):
         def sign(self, key=None):
             if not key:
                 key = self._my_key
-            self.public_key = database_blob(key.pub().key_to_bin()[10:])
+            self.public_key = key.pub().key_to_bin()[10:]
             _, self.signature = self._serialized(key)
 
         def has_valid_signature(self):
@@ -251,7 +249,7 @@ def from_dict(cls, dct):
         @property
         @db_session
         def is_personal(self):
-            return database_blob(self._my_key.pub().key_to_bin()[10:]) == database_blob(self.public_key)
+            return self._my_key.pub().key_to_bin()[10:] == self.public_key
 
         @db_session
         def soft_delete(self):
diff --git a/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/orm_bindings/channel_peer.py b/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/orm_bindings/channel_peer.py
index d78a2e56500..11b23685531 100644
--- a/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/orm_bindings/channel_peer.py
+++ b/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/orm_bindings/channel_peer.py
@@ -1,7 +1,5 @@
 from datetime import datetime
 
-from ipv8.database import database_blob
-
 from pony import orm
 
 
@@ -13,7 +11,7 @@ class ChannelPeer(db.Entity):
         """
 
         rowid = orm.PrimaryKey(int, size=64, auto=True)
-        public_key = orm.Required(database_blob, unique=True)
+        public_key = orm.Required(bytes, unique=True)
         individual_votes = orm.Set("ChannelVote", reverse='voter')
         added_on = orm.Optional(datetime, default=datetime.utcnow)
 
diff --git a/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/orm_bindings/collection_node.py b/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/orm_bindings/collection_node.py
index 6e896206627..f9d7f55da1f 100644
--- a/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/orm_bindings/collection_node.py
+++ b/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/orm_bindings/collection_node.py
@@ -1,8 +1,6 @@
 import os
 from pathlib import Path
 
-from ipv8.database import database_blob
-
 from pony import orm
 from pony.orm import db_session, select
 
@@ -22,7 +20,7 @@
     UPDATED,
 )
 from tribler_core.modules.metadata_store.orm_bindings.torrent_metadata import tdef_to_metadata_dict
-from tribler_core.modules.metadata_store.serialization import COLLECTION_NODE, CollectionNodePayload, CHANNEL_TORRENT
+from tribler_core.modules.metadata_store.serialization import CHANNEL_TORRENT, COLLECTION_NODE, CollectionNodePayload
 from tribler_core.utilities.random_utils import random_infohash
 
 # pylint: disable=too-many-statements
@@ -57,8 +55,10 @@ def state(self):
                 return CHANNEL_STATE.PERSONAL.value
 
             toplevel_parent = self.get_parent_nodes()[0]
-            if (toplevel_parent.metadata_type == CHANNEL_TORRENT and
-                toplevel_parent.local_version == toplevel_parent.timestamp):
+            if (
+                toplevel_parent.metadata_type == CHANNEL_TORRENT
+                and toplevel_parent.local_version == toplevel_parent.timestamp
+            ):
                 return CHANNEL_STATE.COMPLETE.value
 
             return CHANNEL_STATE.PREVIEW.value
@@ -94,7 +94,7 @@ def copy_torrent_from_infohash(self, infohash):
             :return: New TorrentMetadata signed with your key.
             """
 
-            existing = db.TorrentMetadata.select(lambda g: g.infohash == database_blob(infohash)).first()
+            existing = db.TorrentMetadata.select(lambda g: g.infohash == infohash).first()
 
             if not existing:
                 return None
@@ -298,8 +298,7 @@ def update_node_info(n):
                 dead_parents.remove(0)
             # Delete orphans
             db.ChannelNode.select(
-                lambda g: database_blob(db.ChannelNode._my_key.pub().key_to_bin()[10:])  # pylint: disable=W0212
-                == g.public_key
+                lambda g: db.ChannelNode._my_key.pub().key_to_bin()[10:] == g.public_key  # pylint: disable=W0212
                 and g.origin_id in dead_parents
             ).delete()
             orm.flush()  # Just in case...
diff --git a/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/orm_bindings/torrent_metadata.py b/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/orm_bindings/torrent_metadata.py
index 997b50154c6..c25e0ad3ff8 100644
--- a/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/orm_bindings/torrent_metadata.py
+++ b/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/orm_bindings/torrent_metadata.py
@@ -1,8 +1,6 @@
 from datetime import datetime
 from struct import unpack
 
-from ipv8.database import database_blob
-
 from pony import orm
 from pony.orm import db_session
 
@@ -55,7 +53,7 @@ class TorrentMetadata(db.MetadataNode):
         _discriminator_ = REGULAR_TORRENT
 
         # Serializable
-        infohash = orm.Required(database_blob, index=True)
+        infohash = orm.Required(bytes, index=True)
         size = orm.Optional(int, size=64, default=0)
         torrent_date = orm.Optional(datetime, default=datetime.utcnow, index=True)
         tracker_info = orm.Optional(str, default='')
@@ -112,8 +110,8 @@ def add_ffa_from_dict(cls, ffa_dict):
             # Check that this torrent is yet unknown to GigaChannel, and if there is no duplicate FFA entry.
             # Test for a duplicate id_+public_key is necessary to account for a (highly improbable) situation when
             # two entries have different infohashes but the same id_. We do not want people to exploit this.
-            ih_blob = database_blob(ffa_dict["infohash"])
-            pk_blob = database_blob(b"")
+            ih_blob = ffa_dict["infohash"]
+            pk_blob = b""
             if cls.exists(lambda g: (g.infohash == ih_blob) or (g.id_ == id_ and g.public_key == pk_blob)):
                 return None
             # Add the torrent as a free-for-all entry if it is unknown to GigaChannel
@@ -152,7 +150,7 @@ def metadata_conflicting(self, b):
         @classmethod
         @db_session
         def get_with_infohash(cls, infohash):
-            return cls.select(lambda g: g.infohash == database_blob(infohash)).first()
+            return cls.select(lambda g: g.infohash == infohash).first()
 
         @classmethod
         @db_session
diff --git a/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/orm_bindings/torrent_state.py b/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/orm_bindings/torrent_state.py
index 35e77d3b4fd..0e501100226 100644
--- a/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/orm_bindings/torrent_state.py
+++ b/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/orm_bindings/torrent_state.py
@@ -1,5 +1,3 @@
-from ipv8.database import database_blob
-
 from pony import orm
 
 
@@ -10,7 +8,7 @@ class TorrentState(db.Entity):
         """
 
         rowid = orm.PrimaryKey(int, auto=True)
-        infohash = orm.Required(database_blob, unique=True)
+        infohash = orm.Required(bytes, unique=True)
         seeders = orm.Optional(int, default=0)
         leechers = orm.Optional(int, default=0)
         last_check = orm.Optional(int, size=64, default=0)
diff --git a/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/payload_checker.py b/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/payload_checker.py
index c7640eeb606..141ff9189c4 100644
--- a/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/payload_checker.py
+++ b/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/payload_checker.py
@@ -1,8 +1,6 @@
 import enum
 from dataclasses import dataclass, field
 
-from ipv8.database import database_blob
-
 from pony.orm import db_session
 
 from tribler_core.modules.category_filter.l2_filter import is_forbidden
@@ -187,9 +185,7 @@ def update_local_node(self):
         If we don't have some version of the node locally, CONTINUE control to further checks.
         """
         # Check for the older version of the added node
-        node = self.mds.ChannelNode.get_for_update(
-            public_key=database_blob(self.payload.public_key), id_=self.payload.id_
-        )
+        node = self.mds.ChannelNode.get_for_update(public_key=self.payload.public_key, id_=self.payload.id_)
         if not node:
             return CONTINUE
 
diff --git a/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/restapi/channels_endpoint.py b/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/restapi/channels_endpoint.py
index 10a7348da88..12ff8d42439 100644
--- a/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/restapi/channels_endpoint.py
+++ b/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/restapi/channels_endpoint.py
@@ -10,7 +10,6 @@
 from aiohttp_apispec import docs, json_schema
 
 from ipv8.REST.schema import schema
-from ipv8.database import database_blob
 
 from marshmallow.fields import Boolean, Dict, Integer, String
 
@@ -260,9 +259,7 @@ async def copy_channel(self, request):
             channel_pk, channel_id = self.get_channel_from_request(request)
             personal_root = channel_id == 0 and channel_pk == self.session.mds.my_key.pub().key_to_bin()[10:]
             # TODO: better error handling
-            target_collection = self.session.mds.CollectionNode.get(
-                public_key=database_blob(channel_pk), id_=channel_id
-            )
+            target_collection = self.session.mds.CollectionNode.get(public_key=channel_pk, id_=channel_id)
             try:
                 request_parsed = await request.json()
             except (ContentTypeError, ValueError):
@@ -272,7 +269,7 @@ async def copy_channel(self, request):
                 return RESTResponse({"error": "Target channel not found"}, status=HTTP_NOT_FOUND)
             results_list = []
             for entry in request_parsed:
-                public_key, id_ = database_blob(unhexlify(entry["public_key"])), entry["id"]
+                public_key, id_ = unhexlify(entry["public_key"]), entry["id"]
                 source = self.session.mds.ChannelNode.get(public_key=public_key, id_=id_)
                 if not source:
                     return RESTResponse({"error": "Source entry not found"}, status=HTTP_BAD_REQUEST)
@@ -358,7 +355,7 @@ async def create_collection(self, request):
     async def add_torrent_to_channel(self, request):
         channel_pk, channel_id = self.get_channel_from_request(request)
         with db_session:
-            channel = self.session.mds.CollectionNode.get(public_key=database_blob(channel_pk), id_=channel_id)
+            channel = self.session.mds.CollectionNode.get(public_key=channel_pk, id_=channel_id)
         if not channel:
             return RESTResponse({"error": "Unknown channel"}, status=HTTP_NOT_FOUND)
 
@@ -442,7 +439,7 @@ async def post_commit(self, request):
                 for t in self.session.mds.CollectionNode.commit_all_channels():
                     self.session.gigachannel_manager.updated_my_channel(TorrentDef.load_from_dict(t))
             else:
-                coll = self.session.mds.CollectionNode.get(public_key=database_blob(channel_pk), id_=channel_id)
+                coll = self.session.mds.CollectionNode.get(public_key=channel_pk, id_=channel_id)
                 if not coll:
                     return RESTResponse({"success": False}, status=HTTP_NOT_FOUND)
                 torrent_dict = coll.commit_channel_torrent()
@@ -460,7 +457,7 @@ async def is_channel_dirty(self, request):
         channel_pk, _ = self.get_channel_from_request(request)
         with db_session:
             dirty = self.session.mds.MetadataNode.exists(
-                lambda g: g.public_key == database_blob(channel_pk) and g.status in DIRTY_STATUSES
+                lambda g: g.public_key == channel_pk and g.status in DIRTY_STATUSES
             )
             return RESTResponse({"dirty": dirty})
 
diff --git a/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/restapi/metadata_endpoint.py b/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/restapi/metadata_endpoint.py
index bd7bc4c920a..506a8fb827e 100644
--- a/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/restapi/metadata_endpoint.py
+++ b/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/restapi/metadata_endpoint.py
@@ -5,7 +5,6 @@
 from aiohttp_apispec import docs
 
 from ipv8.REST.schema import schema
-from ipv8.database import database_blob
 
 from marshmallow.fields import Integer, String
 
@@ -88,7 +87,7 @@ async def update_channel_entries(self, request):
             return RESTResponse({"error": "Bad JSON"}, status=HTTP_BAD_REQUEST)
         results_list = []
         for entry in request_parsed:
-            public_key = database_blob(unhexlify(entry.pop("public_key")))
+            public_key = unhexlify(entry.pop("public_key"))
             id_ = entry.pop("id")
             error, result = self.update_entry(public_key, id_, entry)
             # TODO: handle the results for a list that contains some errors in a smarter way
@@ -119,7 +118,7 @@ async def delete_channel_entries(self, request):
             request_parsed = await request.json()
             results_list = []
             for entry in request_parsed:
-                public_key = database_blob(unhexlify(entry.pop("public_key")))
+                public_key = unhexlify(entry.pop("public_key"))
                 id_ = entry.pop("id")
                 entry = self.session.mds.ChannelNode.get(public_key=public_key, id_=id_)
                 if not entry:
@@ -159,7 +158,7 @@ async def get_channel_entries(self, request):
         public_key = unhexlify(request.match_info['public_key'])
         id_ = request.match_info['id']
         with db_session:
-            entry = self.session.mds.ChannelNode.get(public_key=database_blob(public_key), id_=id_)
+            entry = self.session.mds.ChannelNode.get(public_key=public_key, id_=id_)
 
             if entry:
                 # TODO: handle costly attributes in a more graceful and generic way for all types of metadata
diff --git a/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/serialization.py b/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/serialization.py
index 96a422bffa0..126cf366738 100644
--- a/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/serialization.py
+++ b/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/serialization.py
@@ -4,7 +4,6 @@
 from datetime import datetime, timedelta
 from typing import List, Tuple
 
-from ipv8.database import database_blob
 from ipv8.keyvault.crypto import default_eccrypto
 from ipv8.messaging.lazy_payload import VariablePayload, vp_compile
 from ipv8.messaging.payload import Payload
@@ -66,7 +65,7 @@ class UnknownBlobTypeException(Exception):
 
 def read_payload_with_offset(data, offset=0):
     # First we have to determine the actual payload type
-    metadata_type = struct.unpack_from('>H', database_blob(data), offset=offset)[0]
+    metadata_type = struct.unpack_from('>H', data, offset=offset)[0]
     payload_class = DISCRIMINATOR_TO_PAYLOAD_CLASS.get(metadata_type)
     if payload_class is not None:
         return payload_class.from_signed_blob_with_offset(data, offset=offset)
diff --git a/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/store.py b/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/store.py
index 2ad6f719615..55317956e6e 100644
--- a/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/store.py
+++ b/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/store.py
@@ -4,8 +4,6 @@
 from datetime import datetime, timedelta
 from time import sleep, time
 
-from ipv8.database import database_blob
-
 from lz4.frame import LZ4FrameDecompressor
 
 from pony import orm
@@ -148,7 +146,7 @@ def __init__(
         self.db_filename = db_filename
         self.channels_dir = channels_dir
         self.my_key = my_key
-        self.my_public_key_bin = bytes(database_blob(self.my_key.pub().key_to_bin()[10:]))
+        self.my_public_key_bin = self.my_key.pub().key_to_bin()[10:]
         self._logger = logging.getLogger(self.__class__.__name__)
 
         self._shutting_down = False
@@ -565,9 +563,7 @@ def torrent_exists_in_personal_channel(self, infohash):
         :return: True if torrent exists else False
         """
         return self.TorrentMetadata.exists(
-            lambda g: g.public_key == self.my_public_key_bin
-            and g.infohash == database_blob(infohash)
-            and g.status != LEGACY_ENTRY
+            lambda g: g.public_key == self.my_public_key_bin and g.infohash == infohash and g.status != LEGACY_ENTRY
         )
 
     # pylint: disable=unused-argument
diff --git a/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/tests/test_channel_download.py b/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/tests/test_channel_download.py
index 303223285bd..cd9d7bb86d1 100644
--- a/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/tests/test_channel_download.py
+++ b/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/tests/test_channel_download.py
@@ -1,4 +1,3 @@
-from ipv8.database import database_blob
 from ipv8.util import succeed
 
 from pony.orm import db_session
@@ -56,7 +55,7 @@ def hinted_start_download(tdef=None, config=None, hidden=False):
 
     with db_session:
         # There should be 8 torrents + 1 channel torrent
-        channel2 = session.mds.ChannelMetadata.get(public_key=database_blob(payload.public_key))
+        channel2 = session.mds.ChannelMetadata.get(public_key=payload.public_key)
         assert channel2.timestamp == channel2.local_version
         assert channel2.timestamp == 1565621688018
         assert session.mds.ChannelNode.select().count() == 8
diff --git a/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/tests/test_channel_metadata.py b/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/tests/test_channel_metadata.py
index f849a978bb9..dc1b4bb798e 100644
--- a/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/tests/test_channel_metadata.py
+++ b/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/tests/test_channel_metadata.py
@@ -6,7 +6,6 @@
 from time import sleep
 from unittest.mock import Mock, patch
 
-from ipv8.database import database_blob
 from ipv8.keyvault.crypto import default_eccrypto
 
 from lz4.frame import LZ4FrameDecompressor
@@ -28,12 +27,11 @@
 from tribler_core.modules.metadata_store.serialization import CHANNEL_TORRENT, COLLECTION_NODE, REGULAR_TORRENT
 from tribler_core.modules.metadata_store.store import HealthItemsPayload
 from tribler_core.tests.tools.common import TESTS_DATA_DIR, TORRENT_UBUNTU_FILE
-from tribler_core.utilities import path_util
 from tribler_core.utilities.random_utils import random_infohash
 
-
 # pylint: disable=protected-access
 
+
 @pytest.fixture
 def my_key():
     return default_eccrypto.generate_key("curve25519")
@@ -47,12 +45,12 @@ def torrent_template():
 @pytest.fixture
 def sample_torrent_dict(my_key):
     return {
-        "infohash": database_blob(b"1" * 20),
+        "infohash": b"1" * 20,
         "size": 123,
         "torrent_date": datetime.utcnow(),
         "tags": "bla",
         "id_": 123,
-        "public_key": database_blob(my_key.pub().key_to_bin()[10:]),
+        "public_key": my_key.pub().key_to_bin()[10:],
         "title": "lalala",
     }
 
@@ -171,7 +169,7 @@ def test_get_channel_with_dirname(sample_channel_dict, metadata_store):
     assert channel_metadata == channel_result
 
     # Test for corner-case of channel PK starting with zeroes
-    channel_metadata.public_key = database_blob(unhexlify('0' * 128))
+    channel_metadata.public_key = unhexlify('0' * 128)
     channel_result = metadata_store.ChannelMetadata.get_channel_with_dirname(channel_metadata.dirname)
     assert channel_metadata == channel_result
 
@@ -831,7 +829,7 @@ def test_get_channel_name(metadata_store):
     """
     infohash = b"\x00" * 20
     title = "testchan"
-    chan = metadata_store.ChannelMetadata(title=title, infohash=database_blob(infohash))
+    chan = metadata_store.ChannelMetadata(title=title, infohash=infohash)
     dirname = chan.dirname
 
     assert title == metadata_store.ChannelMetadata.get_channel_name(dirname, infohash)
diff --git a/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/tests/test_gigachannel_manager.py b/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/tests/test_gigachannel_manager.py
index 237ccce7a23..8ad30eb579f 100644
--- a/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/tests/test_gigachannel_manager.py
+++ b/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/tests/test_gigachannel_manager.py
@@ -4,7 +4,6 @@
 from pathlib import Path
 from unittest.mock import Mock, patch
 
-from ipv8.database import database_blob
 from ipv8.util import succeed
 
 from pony.orm import db_session
@@ -12,8 +11,8 @@
 import pytest
 
 from tribler_common.simpledefs import DLSTATUS_SEEDING
-from tribler_core.config.tribler_config import TriblerConfig
 
+from tribler_core.config.tribler_config import TriblerConfig
 from tribler_core.modules.libtorrent.torrentdef import TorrentDef
 from tribler_core.modules.metadata_store.gigachannel_manager import GigaChannelManager
 from tribler_core.modules.metadata_store.orm_bindings.channel_node import NEW
@@ -161,8 +160,8 @@ async def test_check_channels_updates(enable_chant, personal_channel, channel_ma
         # Subscribed, not updated
         session.mds.ChannelMetadata(
             title="bla1",
-            public_key=database_blob(b'123'),
-            signature=database_blob(b'345'),
+            public_key=b'123',
+            signature=b'345',
             skip_key_check=True,
             timestamp=123,
             local_version=123,
@@ -172,8 +171,8 @@ async def test_check_channels_updates(enable_chant, personal_channel, channel_ma
         # Not subscribed, updated
         session.mds.ChannelMetadata(
             title="bla2",
-            public_key=database_blob(b'124'),
-            signature=database_blob(b'346'),
+            public_key=b'124',
+            signature=b'346',
             skip_key_check=True,
             timestamp=123,
             local_version=122,
@@ -183,8 +182,8 @@ async def test_check_channels_updates(enable_chant, personal_channel, channel_ma
         # Subscribed, updated - only this one should be downloaded
         chan3 = session.mds.ChannelMetadata(
             title="bla3",
-            public_key=database_blob(b'125'),
-            signature=database_blob(b'347'),
+            public_key=b'125',
+            signature=b'347',
             skip_key_check=True,
             timestamp=123,
             local_version=122,
@@ -201,7 +200,7 @@ def mock_download_channel(chan1):
 
         @db_session
         def fake_get_metainfo(infohash, **_):
-            return {'info': {'name': session.mds.ChannelMetadata.get(infohash=database_blob(infohash)).dirname}}
+            return {'info': {'name': session.mds.ChannelMetadata.get(infohash=infohash).dirname}}
 
         session.dlmgr.get_metainfo = fake_get_metainfo
         session.dlmgr.metainfo_requests = {}
@@ -251,9 +250,9 @@ async def test_remove_cruft_channels(
         # Now we add an external channel we are subscribed to.
         chan2 = session.mds.ChannelMetadata(
             title="bla1",
-            infohash=database_blob(b'123'),
-            public_key=database_blob(b'123'),
-            signature=database_blob(b'345'),
+            infohash=b'123',
+            public_key=b'123',
+            signature=b'345',
             skip_key_check=True,
             timestamp=123,
             local_version=123,
@@ -263,9 +262,9 @@ async def test_remove_cruft_channels(
         # Another external channel, but there is a catch: we recently unsubscribed from it
         chan3 = session.mds.ChannelMetadata(
             title="bla2",
-            infohash=database_blob(b'124'),
-            public_key=database_blob(b'124'),
-            signature=database_blob(b'346'),
+            infohash=b'124',
+            public_key=b'124',
+            signature=b'346',
             skip_key_check=True,
             timestamp=123,
             local_version=123,
@@ -290,16 +289,16 @@ def get_def(self):
     # Double conversion is required to make sure that buffers signatures are not the same
     mock_dl_list = [
         # Downloads for the personal channel
-        MockDownload(database_blob(bytes(my_chan_old_infohash)), personal_channel.dirname),
-        MockDownload(database_blob(bytes(personal_channel.infohash)), personal_channel.dirname),
+        MockDownload(my_chan_old_infohash, personal_channel.dirname),
+        MockDownload(personal_channel.infohash, personal_channel.dirname),
         # Downloads for the updated external channel: "old ones" and "recent"
-        MockDownload(database_blob(b'12331244'), chan2.dirname),
-        MockDownload(database_blob(bytes(chan2.infohash)), chan2.dirname),
+        MockDownload(b'12331244', chan2.dirname),
+        MockDownload(chan2.infohash, chan2.dirname),
         # Downloads for the unsubscribed external channel
-        MockDownload(database_blob(b'1231551'), chan3.dirname),
-        MockDownload(database_blob(bytes(chan3.infohash)), chan3.dirname),
+        MockDownload(b'1231551', chan3.dirname),
+        MockDownload(chan3.infohash, chan3.dirname),
         # Orphaned download
-        MockDownload(database_blob(b'333'), "blabla"),
+        MockDownload(b'333', "blabla"),
     ]
 
     def mock_get_channel_downloads(**_):
@@ -331,12 +330,12 @@ def mock_remove(infohash, remove_content=False):
 
 
 @pytest.mark.asyncio
-async def test_reject_malformed_channel(enable_chant, channel_manager, mock_dlmgr, session, tmpdir):  # pylint: disable=unused-argument, redefined-outer-name
+async def test_reject_malformed_channel(
+    enable_chant, channel_manager, mock_dlmgr, session, tmpdir
+):  # pylint: disable=unused-argument, redefined-outer-name
     global initiated_download
     with db_session:
-        channel = session.mds.ChannelMetadata(
-            title="bla1", public_key=database_blob(b'123'), infohash=random_infohash()
-        )
+        channel = session.mds.ChannelMetadata(title="bla1", public_key=b'123', infohash=random_infohash())
     session.config = TriblerConfig(state_dir=tmpdir)
 
     def mock_get_metainfo_bad(*args, **kwargs):
diff --git a/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/tests/test_metadata.py b/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/tests/test_metadata.py
index 8473783a1f5..4fb6ccbbf85 100644
--- a/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/tests/test_metadata.py
+++ b/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/tests/test_metadata.py
@@ -1,4 +1,3 @@
-from ipv8.database import database_blob
 from ipv8.keyvault.crypto import default_eccrypto
 
 from pony import orm
@@ -122,7 +121,7 @@ def test_has_valid_signature(metadata_store):
 
     # Create metadata with wrong key
     metadata.delete()
-    md_dict.update(public_key=database_blob(b"aaa"))
+    md_dict.update(public_key=b"aaa")
     md_dict.pop("rowid")
 
     metadata = metadata_store.ChannelNode(skip_key_check=True, **md_dict)
@@ -130,7 +129,7 @@ def test_has_valid_signature(metadata_store):
 
     key = default_eccrypto.generate_key("curve25519")
     metadata2 = metadata_store.ChannelNode(sign_with=key, **md_dict)
-    assert database_blob(key.pub().key_to_bin()[10:]), metadata2.public_key
+    assert key.pub().key_to_bin()[10:], metadata2.public_key
     md_dict2 = metadata2.to_dict()
     md_dict2["signature"] = md_dict["signature"]
     with pytest.raises(InvalidSignatureException):
diff --git a/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/tests/test_store.py b/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/tests/test_store.py
index e055958109a..b00b85be090 100644
--- a/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/tests/test_store.py
+++ b/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/tests/test_store.py
@@ -6,7 +6,6 @@
 from datetime import datetime
 from unittest.mock import patch
 
-from ipv8.database import database_blob
 from ipv8.keyvault.crypto import default_eccrypto
 
 from pony.orm import db_session
@@ -35,7 +34,7 @@ def get_payloads(entity_class, key):
     orig_key = entity_class._my_key
 
     entity_class._my_key = key
-    c = entity_class(infohash=database_blob(random_infohash()))
+    c = entity_class(infohash=random_infohash())
     payload = c._payload_class.from_signed_blob(c.serialized())
     deleted_payload = DeletedMetadataPayload.from_signed_blob(c.serialized_delete())
 
@@ -45,9 +44,7 @@ def get_payloads(entity_class, key):
 
 def make_wrong_payload(filename):
     key = default_eccrypto.generate_key("curve25519")
-    metadata_payload = SignedPayload(
-        666, 0, database_blob(key.pub().key_to_bin()[10:]), signature=b'\x00' * 64, skip_key_check=True
-    )
+    metadata_payload = SignedPayload(666, 0, key.pub().key_to_bin()[10:], signature=b'\x00' * 64, skip_key_check=True)
     with open(filename, 'wb') as output_file:
         output_file.write(metadata_payload.serialized())
 
@@ -67,7 +64,7 @@ def test_process_channel_dir_file(tmpdir, metadata_store):
     """
     Test whether we are able to process files in a directory containing node metadata
     """
-    test_node_metadata = metadata_store.TorrentMetadata(title='test', infohash=database_blob(random_infohash()))
+    test_node_metadata = metadata_store.TorrentMetadata(title='test', infohash=random_infohash())
     metadata_path = tmpdir / 'metadata.data'
     test_node_metadata.to_file(metadata_path)
     # We delete this TorrentMeta info now, it should be added again to the database when loading it
@@ -101,7 +98,7 @@ def test_squash_mdblobs(metadata_store):
     md_list = [
         metadata_store.TorrentMetadata(
             title=''.join(r.choice(string.ascii_uppercase + string.digits) for _ in range(20)),
-            infohash=database_blob(random_infohash()),
+            infohash=random_infohash(),
             torrent_date=datetime.utcfromtimestamp(100),
         )
         for _ in range(0, 10)
@@ -122,7 +119,7 @@ def test_squash_mdblobs_multiple_chunks(metadata_store):
     md_list = [
         metadata_store.TorrentMetadata(
             title=''.join(r.choice(string.ascii_uppercase + string.digits) for _ in range(20)),
-            infohash=database_blob(random_infohash()),
+            infohash=random_infohash(),
             torrent_date=datetime.utcfromtimestamp(100),
         )
         for _ in range(0, 10)
@@ -155,7 +152,7 @@ def test_multiple_squashed_commit_and_read(metadata_store):
     channel = metadata_store.ChannelMetadata.create_channel('testchan')
     md_list = [
         metadata_store.TorrentMetadata(
-            origin_id=channel.id_, title='test' + str(x), status=NEW, infohash=database_blob(random_infohash())
+            origin_id=channel.id_, title='test' + str(x), status=NEW, infohash=random_infohash()
         )
         for x in range(0, num_entries)
     ]
@@ -180,7 +177,7 @@ def test_skip_processing_of_received_personal_channel_torrents(metadata_store):
     """
     channel = metadata_store.ChannelMetadata.create_channel('testchan')
     torrent_md = metadata_store.TorrentMetadata(
-        origin_id=channel.id_, title='test', status=NEW, infohash=database_blob(random_infohash())
+        origin_id=channel.id_, title='test', status=NEW, infohash=random_infohash()
     )
     channel.commit_channel_torrent()
     torrent_md.delete()
@@ -208,7 +205,7 @@ def test_skip_processing_mdblob_with_forbidden_terms(metadata_store):
     Test that an mdblob with forbidden terms cannot ever get into the local database
     """
     key = default_eccrypto.generate_key("curve25519")
-    chan_entry = metadata_store.ChannelMetadata(title="12yo", infohash=database_blob(random_infohash()), sign_with=key)
+    chan_entry = metadata_store.ChannelMetadata(title="12yo", infohash=random_infohash(), sign_with=key)
     chan_payload = chan_entry._payload_class(**chan_entry.to_dict())
     chan_entry.delete()
     assert metadata_store.process_payload(chan_payload) == []
@@ -321,7 +318,7 @@ def test_process_payload_with_known_channel_public_key(metadata_store):
     """
     key1 = default_eccrypto.generate_key("curve25519")
     key2 = default_eccrypto.generate_key("curve25519")
-    torrent = metadata_store.TorrentMetadata(infohash=database_blob(random_infohash()), sign_with=key1)
+    torrent = metadata_store.TorrentMetadata(infohash=random_infohash(), sign_with=key1)
     payload = torrent._payload_class(**torrent.to_dict())
     torrent.delete()
     # Check rejecting a payload with non-matching public key
@@ -346,11 +343,11 @@ def test_process_payload_reject_older(metadata_store):
         version=123,
         timestamp=12,
         local_version=12,
-        infohash=database_blob(random_infohash()),
+        infohash=random_infohash(),
         sign_with=key,
     )
     torrent = metadata_store.TorrentMetadata(
-        title='blabla', timestamp=11, origin_id=channel.id_, infohash=database_blob(random_infohash()), sign_with=key
+        title='blabla', timestamp=11, origin_id=channel.id_, infohash=random_infohash(), sign_with=key
     )
     payload = torrent._payload_class(**torrent.to_dict())
     torrent.delete()
@@ -362,7 +359,7 @@ def test_process_payload_reject_older(metadata_store):
     folder_2 = metadata_store.CollectionNode(origin_id=folder_1.id_, sign_with=key)
 
     torrent = metadata_store.TorrentMetadata(
-        title='blabla', timestamp=11, origin_id=folder_2.id_, infohash=database_blob(random_infohash()), sign_with=key
+        title='blabla', timestamp=11, origin_id=folder_2.id_, infohash=random_infohash(), sign_with=key
     )
     payload = torrent._payload_class(**torrent.to_dict())
     torrent.delete()
@@ -373,7 +370,7 @@ def test_process_payload_reject_older(metadata_store):
     folder_1 = metadata_store.CollectionNode(origin_id=123123, sign_with=key)
     folder_2 = metadata_store.CollectionNode(origin_id=folder_1.id_, sign_with=key)
     torrent = metadata_store.TorrentMetadata(
-        title='blabla', timestamp=11, origin_id=folder_2.id_, infohash=database_blob(random_infohash()), sign_with=key
+        title='blabla', timestamp=11, origin_id=folder_2.id_, infohash=random_infohash(), sign_with=key
     )
     payload = torrent._payload_class(**torrent.to_dict())
     torrent.delete()
@@ -389,13 +386,13 @@ def test_process_payload_reject_older_entry(metadata_store):
     """
     key = default_eccrypto.generate_key("curve25519")
     torrent_old = metadata_store.TorrentMetadata(
-        title='blabla', timestamp=11, id_=3, infohash=database_blob(random_infohash()), sign_with=key
+        title='blabla', timestamp=11, id_=3, infohash=random_infohash(), sign_with=key
     )
     payload_old = torrent_old._payload_class(**torrent_old.to_dict())
     torrent_old.delete()
 
     torrent_updated = metadata_store.TorrentMetadata(
-        title='blabla', timestamp=12, id_=3, infohash=database_blob(random_infohash()), sign_with=key
+        title='blabla', timestamp=12, id_=3, infohash=random_infohash(), sign_with=key
     )
     # Test rejecting older version of the same entry
     assert metadata_store.process_payload(payload_old, skip_personal_metadata_payload=False)[0] == ProcessingResult(
@@ -405,15 +402,15 @@ def test_process_payload_reject_older_entry(metadata_store):
 
 @db_session
 def test_get_num_channels_nodes(metadata_store):
-    metadata_store.ChannelMetadata(title='testchan', id_=0, infohash=database_blob(random_infohash()))
-    metadata_store.ChannelMetadata(title='testchan', id_=123, infohash=database_blob(random_infohash()))
+    metadata_store.ChannelMetadata(title='testchan', id_=0, infohash=random_infohash())
+    metadata_store.ChannelMetadata(title='testchan', id_=123, infohash=random_infohash())
     metadata_store.ChannelMetadata(
         title='testchan',
         id_=0,
         public_key=unhexlify('0' * 20),
         signature=unhexlify('0' * 64),
         skip_key_check=True,
-        infohash=database_blob(random_infohash()),
+        infohash=random_infohash(),
     )
     metadata_store.ChannelMetadata(
         title='testchan',
@@ -421,11 +418,11 @@ def test_get_num_channels_nodes(metadata_store):
         public_key=unhexlify('1' * 20),
         signature=unhexlify('1' * 64),
         skip_key_check=True,
-        infohash=database_blob(random_infohash()),
+        infohash=random_infohash(),
     )
 
     _ = [
-        metadata_store.TorrentMetadata(title='test' + str(x), status=NEW, infohash=database_blob(random_infohash()))
+        metadata_store.TorrentMetadata(title='test' + str(x), status=NEW, infohash=random_infohash())
         for x in range(0, 3)
     ]
 
diff --git a/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/tests/test_torrent_metadata.py b/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/tests/test_torrent_metadata.py
index da986945dbd..8a4ec467bb1 100644
--- a/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/tests/test_torrent_metadata.py
+++ b/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/metadata_store/tests/test_torrent_metadata.py
@@ -1,7 +1,6 @@
 from datetime import datetime
 from time import time
 
-from ipv8.database import database_blob
 from ipv8.keyvault.crypto import default_eccrypto
 
 from pony import orm
@@ -17,7 +16,7 @@
 from tribler_core.tests.tools.common import TORRENT_UBUNTU_FILE
 from tribler_core.utilities.random_utils import random_infohash
 
-EMPTY_BLOB = database_blob(b"")
+EMPTY_BLOB = b""
 
 
 def rnd_torrent():
diff --git a/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/torrent_checker/torrent_checker.py b/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/torrent_checker/torrent_checker.py
index 71bd453ce28..8f70146f09f 100644
--- a/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/torrent_checker/torrent_checker.py
+++ b/src/tribler-core/tribler_core/modules/torrent_checker/torrent_checker.py
@@ -4,7 +4,6 @@
 import time
 from asyncio import CancelledError, gather
 
-from ipv8.database import database_blob
 from ipv8.taskmanager import TaskManager, task
 
 from pony.orm import db_session, desc, select
@@ -232,7 +231,7 @@ def is_blacklisted_tracker(self, tracker_url):
     @db_session
     def get_valid_trackers_of_torrent(self, torrent_id):
         """ Get a set of valid trackers for torrent. Also remove any invalid torrent."""
-        db_tracker_list = self.tribler_session.mds.TorrentState.get(infohash=database_blob(torrent_id)).trackers
+        db_tracker_list = self.tribler_session.mds.TorrentState.get(infohash=torrent_id).trackers
         return {tracker.url for tracker in db_tracker_list
                     if is_valid_url(tracker.url) and not self.is_blacklisted_tracker(tracker.url)}
 
@@ -303,7 +302,7 @@ async def check_torrent_health(self, infohash, timeout=20, scrape_now=False):
 
         # We first check whether the torrent is already in the database and checked before
         with db_session:
-            result = self.tribler_session.mds.TorrentState.get(infohash=database_blob(infohash))
+            result = self.tribler_session.mds.TorrentState.get(infohash=infohash)
             if result:
                 torrent_id = result.infohash
                 last_check = result.last_check
@@ -382,7 +381,7 @@ def _update_torrent_result(self, response):
 
         with db_session:
             # Update torrent state
-            torrent = self.tribler_session.mds.TorrentState.get(infohash=database_blob(infohash))
+            torrent = self.tribler_session.mds.TorrentState.get(infohash=infohash)
             if not torrent:
                 self._logger.warning(
                     "Tried to update torrent health data in DB for an unknown torrent: %s", hexlify(infohash))