We report a new method for preparing beta-cyclodextrin/poly(N-vinyl pyrrolidone) composite nanofibers containing gold nanoparticles by electrospinning. beta-Cyclodextrin is mixed into fibers as a new material, and it acts as stabilized reagent and reducing reagent in the synthesis of gold nanoparticles. TEM observation confirms that the gold nanoparticles are completely encapsulated within the composite nanofibers. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.