PHV is more difficult to genetically engineer into new organisms because several genes are required. A mixture of PHB and PHV has superior properties. Originally, Biopol was synthesized by fermentation. Now it is mass-produced in canola. Furthermore, the end product is too brittle for most applications.
Scientists hope to achieve higher levels with better promoters and transit peptides.
A similar application of biotechnology involves altering the biopolymers that are synthesized in cotton plants. By introducing the PHB gene into cotton, plants with altered cotton fibers can be created. In this way, entirely new types of cotton can be produced, potentially leading to plants with novel and useful properties. Moreover, since genes are organized in the same way in all living things, genes can be moved from one organism to another, independent of barriers to genetic crossing. Genes contain the information that controls how biological organisms look and act.