DNA detection systems based on encoded solid particles have been reported but require often tedious and not generally applicable surface chemistry. In the present study a system comprised of a lipid-modified DNA probe sequence and unmodified DNA target sequences is used to non-covalently assemble liposomes. The process results in large liposome aggregates with dramatically different optical properties compared to individual liposomes in solution. The presented method enables fast and easy detection of target polynucleotides. Furthermore, the system displays remarkably sharp thermal transitions which enable detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms with greatly enhanced resolution compared to fluorescence based methods.