A supramolecular assembly of phospholipid-polymerized diacetylene vesicles functionalized with glycolipid can provide a molecular recognition function. The Escherichia coli-glycolipid binding event leads to a visible color change from blue to red, readily seen with the naked eye and quantified by absorption spectroscopy. The biosensor signal is amplified through a suitable increase of phospholipid content in the mixed lipid vesicles and pH of aqueous solutions. (c) 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.