Apparatus and process for treating biomass for on-site production of cellulolytic enzymes and method of using the enzymes to manufacture fuels and chemicals

A method of making and using enzymes in situ, the method comprising:

• (a) in a continuous, counter-current extruder/reactor, admixing biomass and water for a time, and a temperature, and at an energy input, wherein a first, solid-phase composition of matter enriched in cellulose fibers is extruded from a first outlet of the extruder/reactor, and a second, liquid-phase composition of matter enriched in lignin and hemicellulose-derived xylose is extruded from a second outlet of the extruder reactor;
• (b) fermenting in a vessel at least a portion of the first, solid-phase composition of matter with a microorganism capable of fabricating a desired cellulolytic enzyme using cellulose or hemicellulose as a source of carbon, for a time and at a temperature to yield a third composition of matter comprising the desired cellulolytic enzyme;
• (c) in the vessel of step (b), using the third composition of matter to enzymatically hydrolyze remaining cellulose or hemicellulose to yield a fourth composition of matter comprising monomeric sugars.