Nanowire-constructed coral-like spinel Cu-Co-mixed oxides were synthesized via hydrothermal reaction. Owing to the unique nanoarchitecture, the Cu-Co-O provide abundant electro-active sites and channels for ions transfer. And also because of the synergistic effect of copper and cobalt ions in the spinel crystal, the electrode modified with the Cu-Co-O material shows prominent electrocatalytic performance toward the oxidation of glucose. The rapid amperometric response to glucose was observed with a high sensitivity (8838.26 mA cm(-2)mM(-1)), low detection limit (0.5 mmol/L) and fast response (within 1 s). The mild synthesis method and outstanding electrocatalytic performance make it promising for the reliable and durable determination of glucose. (c) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.