A sensitive electrochemical sensor for amino acids was built based on perovskite LaNi0.5Ti0.5O3 (LNT) modified carbon paste electrode. The modified electrode was characterized by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The electrocatalysis of LNT to the oxidation of L-cysteine (L-cys) was studied by cyclic voltammetry in NaOH solution, and the experimental conditions were investigated in detail, such as NaOH concentration and the applied potential. Under the optimal conditions, the reported sensor was applied to the detection of L-cys, L-tryptophane (L-trp), L-alanine (L-ala) and L-phenylalanine (L-phe). In addition, the reported amino acids sensor exhibited good reproducibility, long-term stability, and fast current response. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.