Response surface methodology (RSM) was used for statistical optimization of jiean-peptide (JAA) production by Bacillus subtilis ZK8 cells adsorbed on wood chips to form a novel fermentation system. The Plackett-Burman design was used in the first step to evaluate the effects of eight factors, including six fermentation medium components and two cell adsorption conditions. Among the variables screened, soybean meal hydrolysate (SMH) and MgSO4·7H2O in the fermentation medium had significanteffects on JAA production. In the second step, the concentrations of SMH and MgSO4·7H2O were further optimized using central composite designs and response surface analysis. The optimized concentration of SMH and MgSO4·7H2O was 24% (v/v) and 0.38% (w/v), respectively, which increased the production of JAA in a shake flask system by 41% relative to optimization of a single variable component of the culture medium.