*points at PHB thread below this*
http://community.boredofstudies.org...21/poly-beta-hydroxybutanoate-biopolymer.html
there are links in that detailing its production from (GE'd) recombinant e.colli (which is recent coz up until recently e.colli did not make phb). also details on GE'd plants to produce phb on leaved which progressed into phb in pods only & looking at PHB from potatoes etc ....
Most everything to do with PHB is recent .... it is a relatively new material that is only just beginning to find decent uses
it's main features are high tensile strength, Impact resistant, semi rigid, easily fabricated, light weight. It is biodegradable (completley degraded to H2O and CO2 in anerobic conditions) and as such is used for biomedical apps (put inside people where it serves whatever purpose it had then breaks down harmlessly)