In this study, non-enzymatic detection of uric acid (UA) using a gold nanoparticles-modified vertically aligned multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) electrode is reported. The MWCNTs were coated with Au nanoparticles by magnetron sputtering deposition. The morphology of the Au/MWCNTs nanocomposite was characterized by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The electrochemical performance of the Au/MWCNTs electrode for detection of uric acid was investigated by cyclic voltammetry, differential pulse voltammetry and chronoamperometry. With amperometric method, at a constant potential of +0.40 V, the sensor exhibits a linear response up to 1.8 mM.and sensitivity of 92.19 mu A mM(-1), the response time is less than 2 s and detection limit is 0.1 mu M mM(-1) (signal/noise = 3). The Au/MWCNTs nanocomposite electrode also exhibits excellent stability and selectivity against interferences from other electroactive species. Finally, the practical application of the Au/MWCNTs electrode was demonstrated by measuring the concentration of uric acid in human urine samples. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.