Abstract: Described herein is a process for producing nutraceutical compositions that includes fermenting a species of Monascus in the presence of one or more co-products produced during corn ethanol fermentation, milo ethanol fermentation, or a combination thereof. During fermentation, the Monascus species produces valuable nutraceuticals that have numerous health benefits. In one aspect, the nutraceutical composition containing the microbial cells and nutraceuticals is then processed directly into animal feed in order to improve animal health. The processes and compositions described herein represent significant savings of time and materials and optionally make use of co-products of biofuel production. In other aspects, one or more nutraceuticals can be extracted from the nutraceutical composition and used to improve human health in pharmaceutical applications.

Abstract: Described herein is a process for producing saccharides and ethanol from biomass feedstock that includes (a) producing an enzyme composition by culturing a fungal strain(s) in the presence of a lignocellulosic medium, (b) using the enzyme composition to saccharify the biomass feedstock, and (c) fermenting the saccharified biomass feedstock to produce ethanol. The process is scalable and, in certain aspects, is capable of being deployed on farms, thereby allowing local production of saccharides and ethanol and resulting in a reduction of energy and other costs for farm operators. Optional steps to improve the biomass-to-fuel conversion efficiency are also contemplated, as are uses for byproducts of the process described herein.