MG-63 human osteosarcoma cells were transfected with short hairpin RNA (shRNA) against livin and survivin using monomethoxypolyethylene glycol‑chitosan (mPEG‑CS) nanoparticles (NPs) as carriers, with the aim of evaluating the effect on cell proliferation and apoptosis. mPEG‑CS NPs sized ~100 nm were prepared by ionic crosslinking. mPEG‑CS‑livin shRNA, mPEG‑CS‑survivin shRNA and mPEG‑CS‑(livin shRNA + survivin shRNA) NPs were constructed by electrostatic adsorption at NP suspension/gene solution ratios of 3:1 to transfect MG‑63 cells. The expression levels of livin and survivin mRNA and protein were measured by reverse transcription‑polymerase chain reaction and western blotting, respectively. The inhibitory effects of downregulated livin and survivin expression on cell proliferation were measured using an MTT assay. The apoptosis‑inducing effects of livin and surivin knockdown were investigated using a Hoechst staining kit. All shRNA groups resulted in reduced expression of livin and survivin mRNA and protein in MG‑63 cells. The MTT assay and Hoechst staining indicated that simultaneous knockdown of livin and survivin genes inhibited the proliferation of MG‑63 cells and promoted their apoptosis, to a greater extent than knocking down either gene individually. The simultaneous interference mediated by mPEG‑CS NPs significantly reduced livin and survivin expression in MG‑63 cells, suppressed proliferation and facilitated apoptosis, to a greater extent than knockdown of either livin or survivin alone were. Thus the results indicate a synergistic effect of livin and survivin.