Advanced characterization of albumin adsorption on a chemically treated surface for osseointegration: An innovative experimental approach

•Characterization techniques are need for study protein adsorption on rough biomaterials.•Albumin adsorption is investigated on polished and surface modified Ti6Al4V by new methods.•Kelvin probe force microscopy allows imaging of the adsorbed protein layer.•Protein structure was studied by surface enhanced Raman scattering and ζ potential.•OH surface groups density determines the amount and conformation of protein adsorbed.